Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for imazalil in various commodities.

Abstract

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the Imazalil Task Force submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to change the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance imazalil in products of plant and animal origin. The evaluating Member State (EMS) proposed to modify the existing MRLs only in citrus fruits and bananas and, due to transfer of residues, in bovine and equine livers. EFSA assessed the intended uses in citrus fruits, but not the use in bananas, since compared with the previously performed MRL review no new information was provided in the context of the MRL application. For the intended uses in citrus fruits and for animal products, EFSA did not derive MRL proposals. A decision on the amendment of MRL for the intended uses needs to be postponed, until the risk assessment for the plant metabolite R014821 and for the metabolites identified in livestock (i.e. FK‐772 and FK‐284) is completed with regard to genotoxicity and general toxicity; data need to be provided to derive a conclusion whether the toxicological reference values derived for imazalil are also applicable for the metabolites. Until a conclusion on the toxicological properties of the metabolites is reached, a decision on the residue definition for risk assessment cannot be made which is a prerequisite to perform a reliable dietary risk assessment.