Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for spinosad in small fruit and berries and several commodities of animal origin

Abstract

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 the evaluating Member State (EMS) Belgium compiled an application to modify the existing MRLs for spinosad in animal origin commodities as a result of the intended use on kale, for which no amendment of the existing MRL was proposed. Belgium proposed to raise the existing MRLs in several commodities of swine and ruminant origin. In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 the EMS United Kingdom received an application from the Horticultural Development Company to modify the existing MRLs for spinosad in the group of small fruit and berries. The United Kingdom proposed to raise the existing MRLs to 1 mg/kg. The EMSs drafted the evaluation reports in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, which were submitted to the European Commission and forwarded to EFSA. According to EFSA the data are sufficient to derive a MRL proposal of 1.5 mg/kg for the proposed use on kale. Thus, no amendment of the existing MRL is required. A MRL of 1.5 mg/kg is proposed for the intended indoor use on the group of small fruit and berries. No modification of the MRLs recommended under the Article 12 review for the commodities of animal origin were found necessary except for swine liver (0.7 mg/kg), sheep and goat fat (3 mg/kg), sheep and goat liver (1.5 mg/kg), swine muscle (0.1 mg/kg), bovine muscle (0.3 mg/kg), sheep and goat muscle (0.2 mg/kg), poultry muscle (0.2 mg/kg). Adequate analytical enforcement methods are available to control the residues of spinosad on the products under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the proposed amendment of the MRLs will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference value and therefore is unlikely to pose a consumer health risk.