Najvišje dovoljene vrednosti ostankov so določene na spodnji meji analiznega določanja, kadar pri dovoljenih rabah fitofarmacevtskih sredstev ni zaznavnih količin ostankov v živilskem izdelku ali na njem, ali kadar ni dovoljenih rab, ali kadar rabe, ki so jih dovolile države članice, niso temeljile na potrebnih podatkih, ali kadar rabe v tretjih državah, zaradi katerih pride do ostankov v živilskih izdelkih ali na njih, ki lahko gredo v promet na trgu Skupnosti, niso bile podprte s potrebnimi podatki.
MRLs are fixed at the lower limit of analytical determination where authorised uses of plant protection products do not result in detectable levels of pesticide residue in or on the food product, or where there are no authorised uses, or where uses which have been authorised by Member States have not been supported by the necessary data, or where uses in third countries resulting in residues in or on food products which may enter into circulation in the Community market have not been supported with such necessary data.