Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for spinosad in celery, fennel, raspberries and blackberries

Abstract

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Belgium, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS-BE), compiled an application to modify the existing MRLs for the active substance spinosad in celery and fennel. In order to accommodate for the intended use of spinosad, Belgium proposed to raise the existing MRLs from the value of 2 mg/kg on celery and 0.2 mg/kg on fennel to 5 mg/kg. Belgium drafted an evaluation report in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, which was submitted to the European Commission and forwarded to EFSA. In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the United Kingdom, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS-UK), received an application from the Horticultural Development Company to modify the existing MRLs for the active substance spinosad in raspberries and blackberries. In order to accommodate for the intended use of spinosad, the United Kingdom proposed to raise the existing MRLs in both berries from 0.3 mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg. The United Kingdom drafted an evaluation report in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, which was submitted to the European Commission and forwarded to EFSA. For reasons of efficiency EFSA combined both applications in one reasoned opinion. According to EFSA the data are sufficient to derive a MRL proposal of 1.5 mg/kg for the intended indoor use on raspberries and blackberries in the United Kingdom and of 5 mg/kg for the intended indoor use on celery and fennel in Belgium, whereas the intended outdoor use on celery and fennel is not adequately supported by residue data and no MRL is therefore proposed. Adequate analytical enforcement methods are available to control the residues of spinosad in the crops under consideration at the validated combined LOQ of 0.02 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the proposed use of spinosad on the crops under consideration will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference value and therefore is unlikely to pose a consumer health risk.