Existing Maximum Residue Levels Research Articles

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for spirodiclofen 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 spirodiclofen. Although this active substance is no longer authorised within the European Union, MRLs were established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (codex maximum residue limits; CXLs) and import tolerances were reported by Member States (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, EFSA assessed the CXLs and import tolerances requested, and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Although no apparent risk to consumers was identified, as spirodiclofen is classified as carcinogenic 1B with threshold, all MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers.

Focussed assessment of certain existing maximum residues levels of concern for abamectin

In compliance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) received from the European Commission a mandate to provide its reasoned opinion on the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for abamectin which might lead to consumers intake concerns on the basis of the lower toxicological reference values established during the peer review, the data currently available to EFSA and the outcome of the Member States’ consultation. To identify the MRLs of potential concern that require a more detailed assessment, EFSA screened the existing MRLs for abamectin considering the new toxicological reference values and an acute risk could not be excluded for 12 commodities. Fall‐back MRLs for nine commodities were proposed based on the data received under the present assessment. For apples, pears and escaroles, fall‐back MRLs could not be derived, and thus, a lowering of the MRLs for these crops to the limit of quantification (LOQ) is proposed.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for proquinazid in blueberries and cranberries.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food chain Safety and Environment submitted a request on behalf of Belgium (evaluating Member State, EMS) to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance proquinazid in blueberries and cranberries. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for blueberries and cranberries. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of proquinazid in 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 short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of proquinazid according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

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

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants Nisso Chemical Europe GmbH and Sipcam Italia S.p.A. submitted requests to the competent national authority in the Netherlands and in Italy, respectively, to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance acetamiprid in various crops. The data submitted in support of these requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for plums, aubergines, peppers, cucumbers, courgettes, other cucurbits with edible peel, poppy seeds, mustard seeds, pomegranates and honey. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of acetamiprid in 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 short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of acetamiprid according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for benzovindiflupyr in fresh herbs and edible flowers.

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 (MRLs) for the active substance benzovindiflupyr in fresh herbs and edible flowers. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the crops under assessment. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of benzovindiflupyr 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 short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of benzovindiflupyr according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for Beta-cyfluthrin and Cyfluthrin 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 substances Beta‐cyfluthrin and Cyfluthrin. Although these active substances are no longer authorised for use on edible crops within the European Union, MRLs were established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (codex maximum residue limits (CXLs)) and import tolerances were reported by Member States (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, EFSA assessed the CXLs and import tolerances requested, and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. All CXLs were found to be sufficiently supported by data, whereas some import tolerances were not supported by adequate data. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only and further consideration by risk managers is needed. Apart from a possible acute risk to consumers for a CXL higher than the existing MRL, no risk to consumers was identified

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for penthiopyrad 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 penthiopyrad. To assess the occurrence of penthiopyrad 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 import tolerances and 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.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for metobromuron 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 metobromuron. To assess the occurrence of metobromuron 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 United Kingdom (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 cyflufenamid in blackberries and raspberries.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food chain Safety and Environment submitted a request on behalf of Belgium (evaluating Member State, EMS) to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance cyflufenamid in blackberries and raspberries (red and yellow). The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for blackberries and raspberries (red and yellow). Adequate analytical methods are available to control the residues of cyflufenamid according to the enforcement residue definition 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 short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of cyflufenamid according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for cyantraniliprole in olives.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant FMC International Switzerland Sarl (FISSarl) submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance cyantraniliprole in table olives and olives for oil production. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the intended uses of cyantraniliprole in olives. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of cyantraniliprole in 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 intake of residues resulting from the uses of cyantraniliprole according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for emamectin in various crops

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Syngenta France S.A.S. submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for emamectin. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for apricots, cherries, spinaches and similar leaves and herbal infusions from leaves and herbs, whereas a change of the existing MRL is not necessary for pome fruits. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of emamectin B1a on the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the uses of emamectin benzoate according to the intended agricultural practices are unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The consumer risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative since affected by uncertainty related to the data gaps identified in the MRL review.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for cyflumetofen 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 cyflumetofen. To assess the occurrence of cyflumetofen residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EU) No 188/2011 and the MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission as well as European authorisations reported by Member States and the UK. 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 levels for benzovindiflupyr in leeks and spring onions/green onions/Welsh onions.

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 France to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance benzovindiflupyr in leeks and spring onions, green onions and Welsh onions. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the crops under assessment. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of benzovindiflupyr 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 short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of benzovindiflupyr according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for acrinathrin in peaches and sweet peppers.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Cheminova A/S submitted a request to the competent national authority in Spain to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance acrinathrin in peaches and sweet peppers. The data submitted in support of the request were found sufficient to derive MRL proposals for both crops. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of acrinathrin and its enantiomer in the plant matrices under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.02 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐ and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of acrinathrin according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for isopyrazam 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 isopyrazam. To assess the occurrence of isopyrazam 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 import tolerances and 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 one MRL proposal derived by EFSA still requires further consideration by risk managers.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for tau-fluvalinate in tomatoes and watermelons.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant ADAMA Agriculture BV on behalf of ADAMA Makhteshim Ltd submitted a request to the competent national authority in Denmark to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) for the active substance tau‐fluvalinate in tomatoes and watermelons. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for tomatoes. For watermelons, a change of the MRL recently set in the EU legislation is not required. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of tau‐fluvalinate in the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the intended uses of tau‐fluvalinate according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for isofetamid in raspberries, blackberries and dewberries.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant ISK Biosciences Europe N.V. submitted a request to the competent national authority in Belgium to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance isofetamid in raspberries, blackberries and dewberries. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for blackberries, dewberries and raspberries. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of isofetamid in 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 short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of isofetamid according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

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.