Existing Maximum Residue Levels Research Articles

Modification of the existing MRLs for potassium phosphonates in lemons, limes and mandarins and in herbal infusions from leaves and herbs.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants Lainco S.A., Exclusivas Sarabia S.A., Biovert S.L., Sipcam Inagra S.A. and Tilco‐Alginure GmbH submitted respectively two requests to the competent national authorities in Greece and Germany, to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance potassium phosphonates in certain citrus fruits and in herbal infusions from leaves and herbs. The data submitted in support of both requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for lemons, limes, mandarins, strawberries leaves and the remaining plants included in the group of herbal infusions from leaves and herbs. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control potassium phosphonates residues in the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results using the currently set acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 2.25 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day for phosphonic acid, EFSA concluded that the long‐term intake of residues resulting from the uses of potassium phosphonates according to the reported good agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The consumer risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative; a more realistic intake assessment will be performed in the framework of the joint review of MRLs for fosetyl and potassium phosphonates.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for folpet in barley, oat, rye and wheat.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Adama Agriculture B.V on behalf of Adama Makhteshim Ltd submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) for the active substance folpet in barley, oat, rye and wheat. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for these commodities. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of folpet and phthalimide in dry commodities at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg per analyte. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of folpet according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels and setting of import tolerances for thiabendazole in various crops

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Syngenta España S.A. submitted a request to the competent national authority in Spain to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) in citrus fruits, bananas and witloofs. Additionally, Syngenta Crop Protection AG submitted two applications to Spain to set import tolerances in mangoes and in sweet potatoes. The data submitted in support of the requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the commodities under evaluation and for commodities of animal origin. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of thiabendazole in the commodities under consideration and in animal matrices at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of thiabendazole according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for flupyradifurone and DFA in okra/lady's finger.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment on behalf of Belgium (evaluating Member State, EMS) submitted an application to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance flupyradifurone and its metabolite difluoroacetic acid (DFA) in okra/lady's finger. The data submitted in support of the request were found sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the crop under consideration. The potential contribution of DFA residues in okra/lady's finger from the soil uptake was also estimated. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the relevant residues in the crop under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the long‐term intake of residues of flupyradifurone and of its soil metabolite DFA resulting from the use of flupyradifurone is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. Due to the lack of proper consumption data of okra/lady's finger, the acute exposure assessment could not be reliably undertaken but due to this crop being a minor commodity it is unlikely that acute consumer intake concerns will be associated with this crop.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for valifenalate according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide valifenalate. To assess the occurrence of valifenalate residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EU) No 188/2011, as well as European authorisations reported by Member States and the UK (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Although no apparent risk to consumers was identified, some information required by the regulatory framework was missing. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only and one MRL proposal derived by EFSA still requires further consideration by risk managers.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance 1,4‐dimethylnaphthalene. To assess the occurrence of 1,4‐dimethylnaphthalene residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EU) No 188/2011, as well as the European authorisations reported by Member States and the UK (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Although no apparent risk to consumers was identified, some information required by the regulatory framework was missing. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only and all MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for 8-hydroxyquinoline according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance 8‐hydroxyquinoline. To assess the occurrence of 8‐hydroxyquinoline residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EC) No 33/2008, as well as the European authorisations reported by Member States (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Although no apparent risk to consumers was identified, some information required by the regulatory framework was missing. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only and all MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for spirotetramat in leeks, spring onions and honey.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Bayer S.A.S. ‐ Crop Science division submitted a request to the competent national authority in Austria to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance spirotetramat in leeks, spring onions and in honey. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all these crops and honey. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of spirotetramat and its metabolites in plant matrices on the commodities under consideration and in honey at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg for each analyte. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of spirotetramat according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for fludioxonil in certain small fruits and berries.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Syngenta Agro GmbH submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) for the active substance fludioxonil in blueberries, gooseberries, currants and cranberries. The data submitted in support of the intended northern Europe (NEU) outdoor and EU indoor use were found sufficient to derive MRL proposals of 4 mg/kg for cranberries, gooseberries, currants and blueberries. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of fludioxonil in the plant matrix under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of fludioxonil according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for cyprodinil in blueberries, cranberries, currants and gooseberries.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Syngenta Agro GmbH submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) for the active substance cyprodinil in blueberries, cranberries, currants and gooseberries. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for blueberries, cranberries, currants and gooseberries. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of cyprodinil on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the uses of cyprodinil on blueberries, cranberries, currants and gooseberries according to the reported agricultural practices will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference value and therefore is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for pinoxaden according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance pinoxaden. To assess the occurrence of pinoxaden residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EU) No 188/2011, the MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission as well as the European authorisations reported by Member States and the UK (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Although no apparent risk to consumers was identified, some information required by the regulatory framework was missing. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only and some MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers.

Modification of the existing maximum residue level for phenmedipham in celeriac.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant UPL Europe Ltd. submitted an application to the competent national authority in Germany (evaluating Member State, EMS) to raise the existing maximum residue level (MRL) to 0.15 mg/kg for the active substance phenmedipham in celeriac. The submitted residue trials are sufficient to derive a tentative MRL of 0.15 mg/kg, pending further investigation of nature of phenmedipham residues in root crops. For this assessment EFSA considered that the available sugar beet metabolism data can be extrapolated to celeriac on a tentative basis. The acceptability of such proposal shall be further considered by risk managers. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of phenmedipham in celeriac at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Since the current MRL application was submitted before the finalisation of the EU pesticides peer review of the renewal of the approval of phenmedipham, the consumer exposure assessment was performed according to the conclusions on the toxicity of phenmedipham from the first approval under Directive 91/414/EEC. Accordingly, the long‐term intake of residues of phenmedipham resulting from the existing and the intended uses does not indicate a risk to consumer health. The present assessment does not consider the data gaps identified in the context of the renewal of the approval of phenmedipham under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 which prevented experts to derive toxicological reference values (TRVs) for phenmedipham, to derive the risk assessment residue definition for root crops other than sugar beet and to conclude on the toxicity of relevant metabolites.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for cyproconazole according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance cyproconazole. Considering that no application was received to support the renewal of the approval of cyproconazole and considering the expiry date for its approval on 31 May 2021, and that the import tolerances identified were not supported by sufficient data, and are not forming the basis of any existing EU MRLs, but correspond to existing MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (codex maximum residue limits; CXLs), the current assessment is limited to CXLs. To assess the occurrence of cyproconazole residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EC) No 33/2008, as well as the MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Based on the assessment of the available data, EFSA assessed the CXLs and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Although no apparent risk to consumers was identified, some information required by the regulatory framework was missing. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only and all MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers.

Modification of the existing maximum residue level for phenmedipham in strawberries

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Landwirtschaftliches Technologiezentrum Augustenberg submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance phenmedipham in strawberries. Noting that at least one additional trial is missing, an MRL of 0.7 mg/kg was derived for the intended NEU use of phenmedipham on strawberries. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of phenmedipham in strawberries at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Since the current MRL application was submitted before the finalisation of the EU pesticides peer review of the renewal of the approval of phenmedipham, the consumer exposure assessment was performed according to the conclusions on the toxicity of phenmedipham from the first approval under Directive 91/414/EEC. Accordingly, the long‐term intake of residues of phenmedipham resulting from the existing and the intended uses is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. EFSA notes that the present assessment does not take into account the data gaps identified in the context of the renewal of the approval of phenmedipham under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, which prevented experts to derive toxicological reference values (TRVs) for phenmedipham, to derive the risk assessment residue definition for fruit crops and to conclude on the toxicity of relevant metabolites.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for cyflumetofen in various crops.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants BASF Agro B.V. (represented by OAT Agrio Co. Ltd.) and Certis Europe B.V. submitted separate requests to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance cyflumetofen in various crops. The data submitted in support of the requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for citrus fruits, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, aubergines, cucumbers and hops. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of cyflumetofen on the fruit commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg and on hops at the LOQ of 0.1 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of cyflumetofen according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for acibenzolar‐S‐methyl in beans with pods and peas with pods

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Syngenta France SAS submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to amend the residue definition for risk assessment and to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance acibenzolar‐S‐methyl in beans (with pods) and peas (with pods). The toxicological data submitted in support of this MRL application were found to be sufficient to conclude that the plant metabolite 4‐OH acibenzolar acid is not genotoxic in vitro, however lacking investigation of the general toxicity, a definitive conclusion cannot be derived whether 4‐OH acibenzolar acid (free and conjugated) should be included or excluded from the residue definition for risk assessment for all commodities belonging to the groups of leafy crops and pulses/oilseeds. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals on the basis of the current residue definition (sum of acibenzolar‐S‐methyl and acibenzolar acid (free and conjugated), expressed as acibenzolar‐S‐methyl) for the intended uses on lettuces and salad plants, beans (with pods) and peas (with pods). The available residue trials are sufficient to derive MRL proposals of 1 mg/kg for beans with pods and peas with pods. The submitted information did not provide evidence that the existing MRL has to be changed for the intended uses on lettuces and other salad plants. For herbs and edible flowers, data gaps were identified which precluded the derivation of MRL proposals. The consumer risk assessment for the current residue definition did not identify an unacceptable risk for consumers. The indicative exposure calculations performed for the metabolite 4‐OH acibenzolar indicate that exposure to this metabolite is lower than the exposure to acibenzolar‐S‐methyl and acibenzolar acid (free and conjugated). However, considering the data gaps identified, a definitive conclusion cannot be derived by EFSA on the risk for consumers related to the intake of residues of 4‐OH acibenzolar acid. The reliable end points appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented.

Focussed assessment of certain existing MRLs of concern for Spinosad.

In compliance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the EFSA received from the European Commission a mandate to provide its reasoned opinion on the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for spinosad which might lead to consumers intake concerns on the basis of a new toxicological reference value established during the peer review and of the data currently available to EFSA. In order to identify the MRLs of potential concern that require a more detailed assessment, EFSA screened the existing MRLs for spinosad considering the new toxicological reference values and an acute risk could not be excluded for six commodities. Fall‐back MRLs for all six commodities were proposed on the basis of the data received under the present assessment.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for difenoconazole in leafy brassica.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Syngenta Crop Protection AG submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance difenoconazole in commodities belonging to the group of leafy brassica. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for leafy brassica. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of difenoconazole in plant matrices under consideration at the validated LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg and for difenoconazole and metabolite CGA205375 in animal matrices at the validated LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg for meat muscle, fat, liver, kidney and eggs and at the validated LOQ of 0.005 mg/kg for milk. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that for the crops assessed in this application the short‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of difenoconazole according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. Long‐term consumer intake concerns cannot be excluded for the intended and existing difenoconazole uses as they are affected by uncertainties associated with the toxicity of metabolite CGA205375 and the lack of information on all existing difenoconazole uses in the EU. Overall, this risk assessment is considered provisional, pending the submission of confirmatory data on possible preferential metabolism/degradation of the four stereo isomers of difenoconazole in plants and has to be re‐considered when the missing data become available. Additionally, this assessment does not take into consideration triazole derivative metabolites (TDMs) which may be generated by several pesticides belonging to the group of triazole fungicides as this application was submitted before September 2019 which is the date of application of the new strategy endorsed by the risk managers for the assessment of TDMs.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for bentazone in beans and peas with and without pods.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant BASF SE submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for bentazone in beans and peas with and without pods. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for peas with pods. Results from the residue trials indicated that there is no need to modify the existing MRLs for beans with pods, beans without pods and peas without pods. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of bentazone and its metabolites in the commodity under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. EFSA concluded that the proposed use of bentazone on peas with pods will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a risk to consumers’ health for parent bentazone. The risk assessment however is indicative and affected by additional, non‐standard uncertainties resulting from the insufficient information related to the toxicological properties for 6‐hydroxy‐bentazone in the wheat metabolism study.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels and setting of import tolerances for metiram in various crops.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant BASF Italia Srl submitted a request to the competent national authority in Italy to set import tolerances for the active substance metiram in passion fruits/maracujas, bananas, pineapples and to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) in celeriacs on the basis of intended northern Europe (NEU) use. The data submitted in support of the request were found sufficient to derive MRL proposals for pineapples and passion fruits/maracujas; according to the data provided, the existing EU MRL in bananas did not require modification and the data were not sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for celeriacs. A consumer exposure calculation, which considered only metiram uses, indicated no long‐term consumer intake concerns, but is affected by several uncertainties related to the lack of residue data reflecting the existing uses of metiram. A second exposure scenario in which the lack of information was overcome by conservative assumptions indicated potential chronic exposure concerns for a number of diets. The contribution of residues in the crops under consideration to the long‐term consumer exposure is low. The consumer exposure to ethylenethiourea (ETU) residues from the existing and intended metiram uses indicated no consumer intake concerns. However, the risk assessment is affected by a number of uncertainties that could not be addressed with the currently available data. EFSA therefore proposed that a comprehensive consumer exposure to ETU residues is performed in the framework of Article 12 MRL review, considering the existing uses of dithiocarbamates that are known to degrade to ETU in processed products. Considering the inconclusive results and overall uncertainties in the risk assessment, EFSA is of the opinion that further risk management discussions are required whether a modification of existing dithiocarbamate MRLs is justified prior to the finalisation of the MRL review on metiram and other dithiocarbamates.