Residual Intake Research Articles

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

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant ISK Biosciences Europe N.V. submitted two requests to the competent national authority in Finland and Belgium, respectively, to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance flonicamid in potatoes and in various crops. The data submitted in support of the requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for potatoes, lettuces and salad plants, spinaches and similar leaves, beans (without pods), cardoons, celeries, Florence fennels and rhubarbs. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues according to the residue definition as of the sum of flonicamid, TFNA and TFNG, expressed as flonicamid in the plant matrices under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg for each compound. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the uses of flonicamid according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

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.

Inevitable Role of Grafting in Improvement of Cucurbitaceous Crops: A Review

Cucurbit grafting has grown in favour among vegetable gardeners all over the world. The approach was originally developed to prevent soil-borne diseases, which remain still very important in today’s intensive agriculture. Important diseases that can be controlled by utilizing cucurbit rootstocks include fusarium and verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, phytophthora and root-knot nematode. Demand for vegetables has been tremendously increasing around the world and due to the scarcity of arable land, persistent cultivation of vegetables being done under unfavourable soil and environmental stress conditions, especially in protected cultivation. Hence to lessen the production losses brought on by such abiotic and biotic stresses in cucurbits be to graft them onto rootstocks. Cucurbit grafting has also resulted in the production of organic and environmentally safer produce by reducing the intake of unfavourable pesticide residues. However, due to recent developments, this strategy now multifarious and used for a multitude of things. Increased usage of grafted seedlings will surely be encouraged by the development of versatile rootstocks, effective grafting tools and methods in numerous nations. The current review work highlights numerous studies on cucurbitaceous crop grafting carried out globally on issues including abiotic and biotic stresses, growth, yield and quality of cucurbitaceous crops.Cucurbit grafting has grown in favour among vegetable gardeners all over the world. The approach was originally developed to prevent soil-borne diseases, which remain still very important in today’s intensive agriculture. Important diseases that can be controlled by utilizing cucurbit rootstocks include fusarium and verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, phytophthora and root-knot nematode. Demand for vegetables has been tremendously increasing around the world and due to the scarcity of arable land, persistent cultivation of vegetables being done under unfavourable soil and environmental stress conditions, especially in protected cultivation. Hence to lessen the production losses brought on by such abiotic and biotic stresses in cucurbits be to graft them onto rootstocks. Cucurbit grafting has also resulted in the production of organic and environmentally safer produce by reducing the intake of unfavourable pesticide residues. However, due to recent developments, this strategy now multifarious and used for a multitude of things. Increased usage of grafted seedlings will surely be encouraged by the development of versatile rootstocks, effective grafting tools and methods in numerous nations. The current review work highlights numerous studies on cucurbitaceous crop grafting carried out globally on issues including abiotic and biotic stresses, growth, yield and quality of cucurbitaceous crops.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels and setting import tolerances for flupyradifurone and difluoroacetic acid (DFA) in various crops.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Bayer AG, Crop Science Division submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) and to set import tolerances for flupyradifurone and its metabolite difluoroacetic acid (DFA) in various plant commodities. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for flupyradifurone and DFA in avocados, mangoes, papayas, asparagus, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, sugar beet roots and chicory roots. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of flupyradifurone and DFA in plant matrices under consideration at the validated limits of quantification (LOQs) of 0.01 and 0.007 mg/kg, respectively. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of flupyradifurone and DFA residues resulting from the use of flupyradifurone according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for zoxamide according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 and setting of an import tolerance for onions, garlic and shallots.

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 zoxamide. To assess the occurrence of zoxamide residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, the MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and 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. Furthermore, in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the Applicant Gowan Crop Protection Ltd, submitted a request to the competent national authority in Latvia to set an import tolerance for zoxamide in onions (extrapolated to garlic and shallots) based on the use authorised in USA. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all crops under assessment. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of zoxamide according to the agricultural practices on onions, garlic and shallots is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for sulfoxaflor in various commodities.

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 (MRL) in okra/lady's fingers and various leaf vegetables, herbs and edible flowers. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all crops under assessment. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of sulfoxaflor in plant matrices 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 sulfoxaflor according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

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.

Setting of an import tolerance for fenazaquin in hops.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Gowan Crop Protection Limited submitted a request to the competent national authority in Greece to set an import tolerance for the active substance fenazaquin in hops imported from the United States of America. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an maximum residue limit (MRL) proposal for hops. An adequate analytical method for enforcement is available to control the residues of fenazaquin 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 short-term and long-term intake of residues of fenazaquin and its toxicologically relevant plant metabolite TBPE resulting from the use of fenazaquin on imported hops from United States according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue level for mandipropamid in radish leaves.

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 level (MRL) for the active substance mandipropamid in radish leaves (classified under the subgroup of kales), based on an intended indoor use on radishes. The residue data in radish leaves submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for this commodity. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of mandipropamid on 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 long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of mandipropamid according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented.

Residue Analysis and Dietary Risk Assessment of Pymetrozine in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and Chrysanthemum morifolium (Ramat).

Pymetrozine is used on potato (S. tuberosum) and Chrysanthemum morifolium (C. morifolium) to obtain greater yield and quality. However, pesticide use carries the potential for residues to remain and be detected on harvested crops. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate pesticide residues in S. tuberosum and C. morifolium products that are commercially available for human consumption and to assess the associated dietary risks. For this study, a total of 340 samples (200 S. tuberosum samples and 140 C. morifolium samples) were collected randomly from supermarkets and farmer's markets. Residues of pymetrozine in S. tuberosum and C. morifolium were detected by using an established and validated QuECHERS-HPLC-MS / MS method, while a dietary risk assessment of pymetrozine in S. tuberosum and C. morifolium was performed using these data. The detection rates of pymetrozine in S. tuberosum and C. morifolium samples were 92.31% and 98.17%, respectively, with residues not more than 0.036 and 0.024 mg/kg, respectively. Based on these results, the dietary risk assessment indicated that the intake of pymetrozine residues in S. tuberosum and C. morifolium does not pose a health risk. This work improved our understanding of the potential exposure risk of pymetrozine in S. tuberosum and C. morifolium.

PSVII-8 Genome-Wide Association Studies for Feed Efficiency and Growth Traits in American Mink

Abstract Feed efficiency (FE) traits contribute to the economic output of mink production systems as feed costs comprise the largest proportion of their variable expenses. However, the genetic architecture underlying FE-related traits is largely unknown in American mink. The objective of this study was to identify potential genetic variants and candidate genes associated with feed efficiency and growth traits, including body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), residual feed intake (RFI), residual gain (RG), residual intake and gain (RIG), and Kleiber ratio (KR). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed using deregressed estimated breeding values (DEBVs) of 1,255 to 2,160 individuals (as pseudophenotypes), genotyped with the Affymetrix Mink 70K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) array. Association analyses were performed using the mixed linear model in GCTA software. A total of 36 SNPs located on 11 different chromosomes were significantly (FDR < 0.01) associated with eight feed efficiency and growth traits, among which nine SNPs had pleiotropic effects on at least two analyzed traits. The phenotypic variance (of DEBVs) explained by all significant SNPs for BW, ADG, DFI, FCR, RFI, RG, RIG, and KR, were 0.54%, 2.35%, 0.51%, 2.45%, 0.03%, 3.67%, 0.21%, and 2.60%, respectively. Furthermore, 191 genes were identified within 1-Mb windows around these significant SNPs. These regions included candidate genes such as FABP6, ADAMTS18, ADGRB3, GRM8, DSCAM, COL9A1, and CSRP2, previously associated with feed efficiency and growth traits in other livestock species. Gene ontology analyses revealed that these genes were involved in molecular functions such as ATPase activity and ATP binding, which provide the direct energy source for the body. To our knowledge, this is the first GWAS to identify genetic variants and biological mechanisms associated with FE and growth traits in American mink. These findings provide a biological foundation for improving these traits using genomic selection programs to select more efficient mink.

Modification of the existing maximum residue level for propamocarb in honey.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Bayer AG Crop Science Division submitted a request to the competent national authority in Greece to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance propamocarb in honey. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for honey. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of propamocarb on 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 propamocarb according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Assessment of Hungarian Consumers’ Exposure to Pesticide Residues Based on the Results of Pesticide Residue Monitoring between 2017 and 2021

The short-term intake (ESTI) of pesticide residues in Hungarian consumers was assessed based on 2331 test results obtained during the 2017–2021 monitoring program on frequently analyzed apples, sour cherries, table grapes, peaches, nectarines, peppers, and strawberries (23.5% of all samples taken from 119 crops). The age-specific consumption data were obtained from national food consumption surveys (2009 and 2018–2020). The exposure was characterized by Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index considering the acute reference doses of pesticide residues detected in the samples. When ESTI was calculated with all detected “single” residues and a variability factor of 3.6, recommended for evaluation of monitoring results, the HI only exceeded 1 for children <3 years old eating grapes (1.50–1.81). HI was <1 when any of the six foods were eaten together within one day. Between forty and fifty percent of samples contained 2–23 residues. Though the individual residue concentrations were below the corresponding MRLs, multiple residues being present in one sample resulted in maximum HI values in apples (1.14); grapes (6.57); peaches and nectarines (2.57); strawberries (2.74); and peppers (10.44). Residues with low ARfD values contributed the most. Applying HI is simple, but provides only point estimates; therefore, it should only be used in first-tier risk assessment.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for mefentrifluconazole in various commodities.

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 Austria to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance mefentrifluconazole in various crops and swine liver and other swine products. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of mefentrifluconazole in the plant commodities under consideration and in animal matrices at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. New data relevant to the data gaps on storage stability and feeding studies of triazole derivative metabolites (TDMs), that were identified during the peer review of confirmatory data of the TDMs, were submitted in support of the present MRL application. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of mefentrifluconazole according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. EFSA noted a narrow safety margin with regard to acute exposure to mefentrifluconazole residues from the intake of spinaches if residues occur at the level of the proposed MRL. EFSA also performed an indicative risk assessment for the TDMs based on uses of mefentrifluconazole only. The estimated exposure for TDMs did not exceed the toxicological reference values.

Risk assessment of 369 pesticide residues in banana from Hainan province of China through UPLC-Q-TOF/MS

In this study, residues of 369 pesticides were determined in 123 banana samples by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS/MS to evaluate the potential risk of pesticide residues in bananas and investigate the quality and safety situation in Hainan province, China. The results indicated that 107 samples contained 1–10 residues. Insecticides and fungicides were the groups with the highest detection frequencies in bananas. The most frequently detected pesticides in bananas were pyraclostrobin (50.41%), prochloraz (38.21%), imidacloprid (33.33%), acetamiprid (25.20%) and carbendazim (19.51%); 13 samples were unqualified with the failure rate 10.57%. The index of food safety (IFS) of all detected pesticides in bananas was less than 1, and the value of the acute reference dose (ARfD) and acceptable daily intake (ADI) of pesticide residues detected in different populations were less than 100%, indicating an acceptable safety risk of the pesticide residues. As for risk coefficient (R), there was a high early warning risk for fluxapyroxad and imidacloprid, as well as a moderate early warning risk for propiconazole. According to the risk ranking, we found 3 kinds of medium-risk pesticides, including acetamiprid, difenoconazole and prochloraz. They should be considered in the key control risk factors and continuously monitored to protect people’s health. However, undue concern was unnecessary since the assessment was based on a conservative assumption.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for pyrimethanil in table grapes, garlic and honey.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Ascenza Agro S.A. submitted a request to the competent national authority in Greece to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) for the active substance pyrimethanil in table grapes, garlic and honey. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for table grapes, garlic and honey. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of pyrimethanil 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 long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of pyrimethanil according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for prothioconazole in sugar beet and chicory roots.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Bayer CropScience Deutschland GmbH submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance prothioconazole in sugar beet roots and chicory roots. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for sugar beet roots and chicory root. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement areavailable to control the residues of prothioconazole on the commodities 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-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of prothioconazole according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. An indicative exposure assessment to triazole derivative metabolites from the intended uses of prothioconazole did not indicate consumer intake concerns.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels or for flonicamid in kales, Chinese cabbages and kohlrabies.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant DLR-Rheinpfalz submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance flonicamid in Chinese cabbages, kales and kohlrabies. 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 flonicamid, 4-trifluoromethylnicotinic acid (TFNA) and N-(4-trifluoromethylnicotinoyl) glycine (TFNG) (sum expressed as flonicamid) in the commodities under consideration at the validated combined limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.03 mg/kg and the residues of flonicamid and TFNA-AM in animal matrices at the validated combined LOQ of 0.02 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 flonicamid according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue level for azoxystrobin in hops.

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 Germany to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance azoxystrobin in hops. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for hops. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of azoxystrobin on the commodity under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, noting that an acute risk assessment was not deemed necessary for azoxystrobin, EFSA concluded that the long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of azoxystrobin according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue level for trifloxystrobin in honey.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Bayer AG Crop Science Division submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to set a maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance trifloxystrobin in honey. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for the commodity under assessment. An adequate analytical method for enforcement is available to control the residues of trifloxystrobin in honey 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 potential transfer of residues into honey assessed in the present MRL application of trifloxystrobin is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The consumer risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative and affected by uncertainties.