🇪🇺 RASFF Notification: Chlorpyrifos in Sesame Oil from Malaysia – Consumer Recall in Denmark

RASFF Notification 2026.1435 | 20 February 2026

Denmark has issued a notification via the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) concerning the presence of chlorpyrifos in sesame oil originating from Malaysia.

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Key Details

• Product: Sesame oil

• Origin: Malaysia

• Notifying country: Denmark

• Notification type: Information notification for follow-up

• Basis: Official market control

• Risk decision: Potentially serious

• Product category: Fats and oils

• Measure taken: Recall from consumer

Unlike a border rejection, the product was already placed on the market and required a consumer-level recall.

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Background: Chlorpyrifos

Chlorpyrifos is an insecticide that has been banned in the European Union since 2020.

It is associated with:

• Neurotoxic effects

• Developmental risks, particularly in children

• Potential endocrine disruption

Within the EU, the maximum residue level (MRL) for chlorpyrifos is effectively set at the limit of quantification.

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Market Implications

Sesame and sesame-derived products remain a sensitive category in EU import controls.

Potential implications include:

• Increased border inspections for sesame oil

• Intensified laboratory testing for pesticide residues

• Higher compliance pressure on Southeast Asian supply chains

• Possible trade delays and contract adjustments

Malaysia is an important processor and exporter of sesame-based products, making this case commercially relevant.

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CMB Insight

Residues of non-approved active substances continue to represent a structural risk in the trade of oilseeds and vegetable oils.

Market participants should review:

• Supplier audit procedures

• Pre-shipment residue testing

• Import documentation compliance

• Contingency planning for recalls

Further RASFF updates will determine whether this is an isolated incident or part of a broader pattern affecting sesame oil imports into the EU.