Analysis Karanjin

In response to recent demand from major supermarket chains and consolidators, we have introduced the active ingredient Karanjin into our multi-residue screening.

There is currently no authorisation of Karanjin in the EU, so an MRL of 0.01 mg/kg is applied. Because there is a lot of attention for Karanjin, we have set up a method and can now analyse it with the GC-MSMS method. From this week on, we will analyse Karanjin in the screening method. Here is some more information about the method and component.

Inadmissible

Regarding the legal status, the active substance is currently not registered as a pesticide in the EU. Therefore, the application of a default MRL of 0.01 mg/kg would be acceptable.
The legal evaluation of the active substance in organic farming also raised questions, as e.g. the use of plant extracts (as foliar fertilisers or plant enhancers) is in principle allowed in organic farming.
With regard to toxicological evaluation, there is currently no known ARfD or ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) value against which the values obtained in case of detection can be assessed.
However, the fact that the origin, biological or chemical, cannot be distinguished has led the distribution chains, as in the case of Matrine, to decide to prevent the importation of fruit and vegetables containing residues of this active substance in order to protect consumers, while the legal situation is being clarified.

What is Karanjin?

Karanjin is a furanoflavonol, a kind of flavonoid. Flavonoids are a broad group of nitrogen-free organic compounds that are widespread in the plant kingdom. It is obtained from the seeds of the karanja tree, a tree that grows wild in India. Karanjin is an acaricide (against ticks and mites) and also a general insecticide. The effect of this substance in the soil is that it reduces the conversion of Ammonium to Nitrate.

This substance can now also be analysed by Groen Agro Control and is included in the multi-residue screening LC-MSMS and GC-MSMS.

Do you want to check your product for Karanjin or other harmful substances?
Please contact us and consult our colleague Michel Witmer.