Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for chlormequat in pears, cereals and commodities of animal origin

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In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the United Kingdom (hereafter - evaluating Member State UK (EMS UK)), received an application from the company BASF to modify the existing MRLs for chlormequat in cereals and several commodities of animal origin. The EMS UK proposed to raise MRLs in rye and oat grain and several animal commodities to accommodate the NEU use of chlormequat on cereals. The Netherlands (EMS NL) received an application from Nederlandse Fruittelers Organisatie to maintain the temporary MRL of 0.1 mg/kg for chlormequat in pears until 31 July 2017, in order to accommodate for carry-over of chlormequat residues due to formerly authorized uses on pear trees. The targeted monitoring data provide evidence that, in general, chlormequat residues in pears produced in the Netherlands and Belgium are declining. In 2013 and onwards, 95 % of the samples of pears produced in the Netherlands and Belgium in areas where chlormequat was used in pear orchards before 2003 will contain residues at or below the level of 0.1 mg/kg. The submitted residue trials on cereals indicate that a higher MRL is required for oat and rye grain to support the intended NEU use. The new use on cereals results in a need to raise the existing MRLs for chlormequat in ruminant muscle, liver, kidney, swine kidney and milk. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the temporary MRL for pears and the intended use of chlormequat on rye and oats and the subsequent residues in animal commodities will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a public health concern.