Review Of Maximum Residue Levels Research Articles

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels in various plant commodities resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants De Sangosse SAS and Tilco-Alginure submitted two requests, respectively, to the competent national authorities in France and Germany to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance potassium phosphonates in various plant commodities. The data submitted in support of the requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the commodities under assessment. For the derived MRL on baby leaf crops, further risk manager consideration is required to decide between two MRL options. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of potassium phosphonates in accordance with the residue definition 'phosphonic acid and its salts expressed as phosphonic acid' in the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results and assuming that the existing MRLs will be amended as proposed by EFSA in previous outputs, EFSA concluded that the long-term intake of residues resulting from the existing uses of fosetyl and phosphonates (previously assessed in a joint MRL review) and new proposed uses of potassium phosphonates is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. Considering the toxicological profile of the active substance, a short-term dietary risk assessment was not required. The risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative because some MRL proposals derived by EFSA in the framework of the MRL review according to Articles 12 and 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 require further consideration by risk managers.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for fluxapyroxad in kaki/Japanese persimmons and cultivated mushrooms.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant BASF SE submitted two requests to the competent national authority in Spain and Ireland to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance fluxapyroxad in kaki/Japanese persimmons and in cultivated fungi, respectively. The data submitted in support of the requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for kaki/Japanese persimmons and cultivated fungi. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of fluxapyroxad on the commodities under consideration at the validated 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 fluxapyroxad, according to the reported agricultural practices, is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The long-term consumer risk assessment is indicative, pending the submission of the confirmatory data requested under the MRL review.

Evaluation of confirmatory data following the Article 12 MRL review for quizalofop-P-ethyl, quizalofop-P-tefuryl and propaquizafop and modification of the existing maximum residue levels for quizalofop-P-tefuryl.

The applicant Arysta Life Science Great Britain Limited submitted a request to the competent national authority in Croatia to evaluate the confirmatory data that were identified for quizalofop-P-tefuryl in the framework of the maximum residue level (MRL) review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as not available. Since Article 12 data gaps were also set for the two other quizalofop-P variants sharing the same residue definitions for risk assessment and monitoring, EFSA included in the present assessment all quizalofop-P variants: quizalofop-P-ethyl, quizalofop-P-tefuryl and propaquizafop. Moreover, in the application submitted to Croatia, the applicant also included a request to modify the existing MRLs for quizalofop-P-tefuryl in grapes, sunflower seeds and soyabeans in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. To address the data gaps, new data on hydrolysis efficiency of quizalofop-P-tefuryl, quizalofop acid, quizalofop-pentanoic acid and quizalofop-P-glycerate in different matrices of animal origin in accordance with the guidance document SANTE/2020/12830 Rev.1 were submitted, along with a validated analytical method for animal commodities. EFSA concluded that the data gap on validation of the efficiency of the extraction and hydrolysis included in the enforcement method of residues in livestock animal commodities was only fully addressed for muscle, poultry liver and eggs. Regarding plant commodities, the remaining data gaps were not addressed. EFSA also considered data gaps for quizalofop-p-ethyl in caraway as sufficiently addressed in the context of a previous MRL application. In general, the new information provided required a revision of the existing MRLs for several commodities of plant and animal origin. Further risk management considerations are required. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of quizalofop-P-tefuryl according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Pesticide active substances that do not require a review of the existing maximum residue levels under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 establishes the rules governing the setting and the review of pesticide maximum residue levels (MRLs) at European level. According to Article 12(1) of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA shall provide within 12 months from the date of the inclusion or non-inclusion of an active substance in Annex I to Directive 91/414/EEC a reasoned opinion on the review of the existing MRLs for that active substance. Among the active substances that need to be reviewed under Article 12(1), EFSA identified two active substances for which a review of MRLs is no longer considered necessary. EFSA prepared a statement explaining the reasons why a review of MRLs for these substances became obsolete. The relevant question numbers are considered addressed by this statement.

Evaluation of confirmatory data following the Article 12 MRL review and modification of the existing maximum residue levels for aluminium phosphide and magnesium phosphide.

The applicant Detia Freyberg GmbH submitted to the competent national authority in Germany two requests to evaluate the confirmatory data that were identified for tree nuts, oilseeds, cereals and commodities of animal origin in the framework of the maximum residue level (MRL) review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as not available and two requests in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 to increase the existing MRL for the active substance aluminium phosphide in peanuts, barley, oat, rye, rice and wheat, roots of herbal infusions, cocoa beans and seed spices and for the active substance magnesium phosphide in oilseeds (except peanuts) and pistachios. The four applications were combined by EFSA under the current assessment. To address the data gaps, validation data for the method of analysis for enforcement of phosphide in high-oil content commodities and new residue trials were submitted. The data gaps on additional residue trials supporting authorisations on oilseeds and cereal grains, on clarifications regarding the discrepancies observed in the residue trial results for pistachios, and on data confirming the negligible occurrence of phosphane and its oxidation products in livestock products were considered addressed. The data gap on independent laboratory validation (ILV) and a confirmatory method for monitoring of phosphide in high-oil content commodities was considered not fully addressed. The information provided justified a lowering of the current tentative MRLs for the whole group of cereals (except rice and 'others'), an increase of the current tentative MRLs for pistachios, the whole group of oilseeds, rice and 'other' cereals, herbal infusions from roots, cocoa beans and seed spices, and a revision of the risk assessment performed for phosphane and its phosphide salts. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of AlP and Mg3P2 according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. Further risk management considerations are required.

Targeted review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for profenofos.

In accordance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) 396/2005, EFSA received a request from the European Commission to review the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the non-approved active substance profenofos in view of the possible lowering of the MRL. EFSA investigated the origin of the current EU MRLs. Existing EU MRLs are based on Codex Maximum Residue Limits still in place or reflect temporary MRLs set from monitoring data. EFSA performed an indicative chronic and acute dietary risk assessment for the list of MRLs to allow risk managers to take the appropriate decisions. For some commodities, further risk management discussions are required to decide which of the risk management options proposed by EFSA should be implemented in the EU MRL legislation.

Targeted review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for chlorfenapyr.

In accordance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) 396/2005, EFSA received a request from the European Commission to review the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the non-approved active substance chlorfenapyr in view of the possible lowering of the MRL set for tea. This current EU MRL is based on an import tolerance established in 2007. EFSA reviewed the toxicological data assessed by other scientific bodies, proposing toxicological reference values to be used for an indicative risk assessment, noting that the values are affected by additional, non-standard uncertainties. According to the indicative chronic and acute dietary risk assessment the existing MRL for tea does not pose an unacceptable risk for consumers. Further risk management discussions are required to decide which of the risk management options proposed by EFSA should be implemented in the EU MRL legislation.

Setting of an import tolerance for lambda-cyhalothrin in avocados.

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 Greece to set an import tolerance for the active substance lambda-cyhalothrin in avocados. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive maximum residue level (MRL) proposals for avocados. Since the general data gap related to toxicity of degradation products formed under sterilisation conditions and identified in the framework of the MRL review has not yet been addressed, a risk management decision is required as to whether it is appropriate to take over the proposed MRLs in the MRL legislation. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of lambda-cyhalothrin in the commodity 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 lambda-cyhalothrin according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. However, the consumer exposure calculation shall be considered provisional, pending the toxicological assessment of the compounds formed under sterilisation conditions.

Targeted review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for dicofol.

In accordance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) 396/2005, EFSA received a request from the European Commission to review the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the non-approved active substance dicofol in view of the possible lowering of the MRL. EFSA investigated the origin of the current EU MRLs. All existing EU MRLs reflect previously authorised uses in the EU or are based on obsolete Codex Maximum Residue Limits. Furthermore, in view of the limitations of the toxicological dataset and related uncertainties, the existing toxicological reference values derived at the EU level cannot be confirmed for dicofol. EFSA therefore proposed lowering all existing EU MRLs for dicofol to the limit of quantification.

Targeted review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for diazinon.

In accordance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) 396/2005, EFSA received a request from the European Commission to review the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the non-approved active substance diazinon in view of the possible lowering of the MRL. EFSA investigated the origin of the current EU MRLs. For existing EU MRLs that reflect previously authorised uses in the EU, or that are based on obsolete Codex MRLs, or import tolerances that are not required any longer, EFSA proposed the lowering to the limit of quantification. EFSA performed an indicative chronic and acute dietary risk assessment for the revised list of MRLs to allow risk managers to take the appropriate decisions. For some commodities, further risk management discussions are required to decide which of the risk management options proposed by EFSA should be implemented in the EU MRL legislation.

Evaluation of confirmatory data following the Article 12 MRL review for S-metolachlor.

The applicant Syngenta Crop Protection AG submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to evaluate the confirmatory data that were identified for S-metolachlor in the framework of the maximum residue level (MRL) review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as not available. To address the data gaps, a new freezer storage stability study for S-metolachlor in commodities with high acid content was submitted. However, the data gap on storage stability was considered only partially addressed for strawberries because, in the absence of information on the storage time interval of the samples of the residue trials performed on strawberries, no conclusion on the validity of these trials could be drawn. The data gap on the lack of trials to support the good agricultural practice (GAP) on pineapples was not addressed. Consequently, the existing tentative MRLs for strawberries and pineapple cannot be confirmed and EFSA recommends lowering these MRLs to the enforcement limit of quantification (LOQ). Since a new lower LOQ for enforcement in high acid content commodities of 0.01 mg/kg has been validated, it is proposed to change the existing MRL value from 0.05* to 0.01* mg/kg for these two commodities.

Targeted review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for endosulfan.

In accordance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) 396/2005, EFSA received a request from the European Commission to review the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the non-approved active substance endosulfan in view of the possible lowering of the MRLs. EFSA investigated the origin of the current EU MRLs. For existing EU MRLs that reflect previously authorised uses in the EU, or that are based on obsolete Codex maximum residue limits, or import tolerances that are not required any longer, EFSA proposed the lowering to the limit of quantification or to an alternative MRL. EFSA performed an indicative chronic and acute dietary risk assessment for the revised list of MRLs to allow risk managers to take the appropriate decisions. For all commodities, further risk management discussions are required to decide which of the risk management options proposed by EFSA should be implemented in the EU MRL legislation.

Targeted review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fenarimol.

In accordance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) 396/2005, EFSA received a request from the European Commission to review the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the non-approved active substance fenarimol in view of the possible lowering of the MRLs. EFSA investigated the origin of the current EU MRLs. For existing EU MRLs that reflect previously authorised uses in the EU, or that are based on obsolete Codex maximum residue limits, or import tolerances that are not required any longer, EFSA proposed the lowering to the limit of quantification. EFSA performed a chronic and acute dietary risk assessment for the revised list of MRLs to allow risk managers to take the appropriate decisions. For some commodities, further risk management discussions are required to decide which of the risk management options proposed by EFSA should be implemented in the EU MRL legislation.

Evaluation of confirmatory data following the Article 12 MRL review for napropamide.

The applicant UPL Europe Ltd submitted a request to the competent national authority in Slovenia to evaluate the confirmatory data that were identified for napropamide in the framework of the maximum residue levels (MRLs) review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as not available. To address the data gaps, a new storage stability study on grapes (high acid content commodity) was submitted while a metabolism study in fruit crops following foliar treatment, residue trials on fresh herbs and edible flowers and an analytical method for matrices difficult to analyse were not submitted. Therefore, only the data gap for storage stability was satisfactorily addressed. The new information provided required a revision of the tentative MRLs for commodities where confirmatory data were indicated. An update of the consumer risk assessment for napropamide was performed considering the new data submitted and it did not indicate any consumer intake concerns in relation to the chronic exposure.

Targeted review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fenpropathrin.

In accordance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) 396/2005, EFSA received a request from the European Commission to review the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the non-approved active substance fenpropathrin in view of the possible lowering of the MRLs. EFSA investigated the origin of the current EU MRLs. For existing EU MRLs that reflect previously authorised uses in the EU, or that are based on obsolete Codex Maximum Residue Limits, or import tolerances that are not required any longer, EFSA proposed the lowering to the limit of quantification or to an alternative MRL. EFSA performed an indicative chronic and acute dietary risk assessment for the revised list of MRLs to allow risk managers to take the appropriate decisions.

Targeted review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for azocyclotin and cyhexatin.

In accordance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) 396/2005, EFSA received a request from the European Commission to review the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the non-approved active substances azocyclotin and cyhexatin in view of the possible lowering of these MRLs. EFSA investigated the origin of the current EU MRLs. For existing EU MRLs that reflect previously authorised uses in the EU, or that are based on obsolete Codex Maximum Residue Limits, or import tolerances that are not required any longer, EFSA proposed the lowering to the limit of quantification. EFSA performed an indicative chronic and acute dietary risk assessment for the revised list of MRLs to allow risk managers to take the appropriate decisions. For some commodities under assessment, further risk management discussions are required to decide which of the risk management options proposed by EFSA should be implemented in the EU MRL legislation.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for triclopyr in animal commodities.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Corteva Agriscience International Sàrl submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance triclopyr in animal commodities. The data submitted in support the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for swine and ruminant edible commodities and for ruminant milks considering residue levels expected for the intended uses on grassland. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of triclopyr on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of analytical 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 uses of triclopyr according to the reported agricultural practices and the derived MRLs in products of animal origin is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The consumer risk assessment is indicative pending the submission of the confirmatory data requested under the MRL review.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels in leeks and spring onions/green onions/Welsh onions resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant BASF Agro B.V. Arnhem (NL) Freienbach Branch submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance potassium phosphonates in leeks and spring onions/green onions/Welsh onions. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the commodities under assessment. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of potassium phosphonates in accordance with the proposed residue definition 'phosphonic acid and its salts expressed as phosphonic acid' on the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results and assuming that the exiting MRLs will be amended as proposed by EFSA in previous outputs, EFSA concluded that the long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. Considering the toxicological profile of the active substance, a short-term dietary risk assessment was not required. The risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative because some MRL proposals derived by EFSA in the framework of the MRL review according to Articles 12 and 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 require further consideration by risk managers.

Evaluation of confirmatory data following Article 12 MRL review and modification of the existing MRLs in pome fruits for pyridaben.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Nissan Chemical Europe SAS submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Czech Republic to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) in pome fruits and to evaluate the confirmatory data identified in the framework of the MRL review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as not available. To address the data gaps on residue trials, new trials according to the Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) on apples, pears, medlars, quinces, loquats/Japanese medlars, apricots, peaches and beans with pods evaluated during the MRL review were not provided. These data gaps are not addressed. However, residue trials on apples and pears for an alternative GAP were provided and resulted by extrapolation in an MRL proposal for pome fruits lower than the current (tentative) MRL in EU legislation. The provided information may require a revision of the existing MRLs for pome fruits, apricots, peaches and beans with pods. Information on storage temperature of samples from the feeding study and a validated analytical method for animal commodities were submitted. The two data gaps on animal commodities were satisfactorily addressed. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of pyridaben in plant matrices under consideration and in all animal matrices, where currently an limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.02 mg/kg is considered at the validated 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 uses of pyridaben according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for imazalil in courgettes, cucumbers and gherkins.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Certis Europe B.V. submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance imazalil in cucumbers, courgettes and gherkins. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal of 0.08 mg/kg for the whole group of cucurbits with edible peel. It is noted that the derived MRL is proposed to replace the existing tentative MRL of 0.1 mg/kg for courgettes, thus also addressing the data gap identified in the context of the MRL review. As regards to cucumbers and gherkins, it is noted that the MRL proposal derived in the current application is covered by the MRL of 0.5 mg/kg currently in place for these commodities. Nevertheless, it is also noted that the aforementioned MRLs are based on Codex maximum residue limits (CXLs) which were revoked in 2019 following the JMPR proposal. Should this proposal be implemented in the EU regulation in the future, the proposed MRL of 0.08 mg/kg as derived in the current application would be considered an appropriate fall-back option for the whole group of cucurbits with edible peel. Further risk management considerations are therefore required. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of imazalil on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.005 mg/kg (QuEChERS method based on LC-MS/MS) and 0.01 mg/kg (HPLC-MS/MS method). Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of imazalil according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. However, it should be noted that a high degree of uncertainty on the overall long-term exposure calculation remains due to the data gaps identified in the context of the MRL review on full toxicological assessment of the metabolite R014821, which is expected to occur following post-harvest uses of imazalil, and animal metabolites FK-772 and FK-284.