Guidance on the assessment of pesticide residues in rotational crops.

EFSA has prepared a guidance document on the assessment of studies on the nature and magnitude of pesticide residues in rotational crop studies as defined in Section 6.6 of the Annex to Regulation (EU) No 283/2013. This guidance document supports the practical implementation of the relevant OECD Test Guidelines (TGs) and OECD Guidance Documents in a harmonised way, respecting the EU regulatory framework for the pesticide assessments. The individual steps of the assessment are illustrated by examples, figures and flow charts. Sources of uncertainty in these assessments are identified and recommendations for further work are provided.

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

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 level (MRL) for the active substance ametoctradin in honey. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for honey. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of ametoctradin in the commodity under consideration at the validated screening detection limit (SDL) of 0.0025 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the dietary intake of residues in food of plant and animal origin (including honey) resulting from the use of ametoctradin according to the existing agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

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.

Setting of import tolerances for fludioxonil in sugar beet roots and bananas.

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 set import tolerances for the active substance fludioxonil in sugar beet roots and bananas. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive maximum residue level (MRL) proposals for sugar beet roots and bananas. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of fludioxonil in the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg and in animal matrices at the validated LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg in milk and muscle and 0.05 mg/kg in liver, kidney, fat tissues and eggs. 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 practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for fosetyl/phosphonic acid in citrus fruits resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Luxembourg Industries (Pamol) Ltd submitted a request to the competent national authority in Spain to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fosetyl/phosphonic acid (fosetyl-Al (sum of fosetyl, phosphonic acid and their salts, expressed as fosetyl)) in citrus fruits. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of potassium phosphonates according to the existing and proposed residue definitions for enforcement in the commodities under consideration. Since EFSA raised concerns regarding the independence of some of the residue trials submitted in support of the MRL application, EFSA presented three options of MRL proposals for further risk management consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates on citrus crops according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

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.

Setting of import tolerances for flutianil in various crops.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant OAT Agrio Co. Ltd submitted a request to the competent national authority in Belgium (originally the United Kingdom) to set import tolerances for the active substance flutianil in various crops. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for apples, cherries, strawberries, cucumbers and courgettes. For melons, data gaps were identified which precluded the derivation of MRL proposals. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of flutianil 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 flutianil according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. It is to be noted that the consumer risk assessment could not be finalised with regard to the potential presence of soil metabolite OC 56635 in rotational crops. The reliable end points appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented.

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.

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.

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 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.

Setting of import tolerances for azoxystrobin in mangoes and oil palm fruits.

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 Austria to set an import tolerance for the active substance azoxystrobin in mangoes and oil palm fruits imported from Brazil and Colombia, respectively. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive maximum residue level (MRL) proposals for mangoes and oil palm fruits. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of azoxystrobin on the commodities 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 uses of azoxystrobin 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.

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.

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.

Reasoned opinion on the toxicological properties and maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the benzimidazole substances carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl.

In compliance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA received from the European Commission a mandate to provide its reasoned opinion on the toxicological properties and maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the benzimidazole substances carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl. Specifically, EFSA was asked to assess whether thiophanate-methyl or carbendazim have clastogenic potential and, in case clastogenic potential can be excluded, to derive toxicological reference values necessary for consumer risk assessment and assessment of maximum residue levels (MRLs). Although these active substances are no longer authorised within the European Union, MRLs were established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (codex maximum residue limits; CXLs), and import tolerances are in place. Based on the assessment of the available data, toxicological reference values and MRL proposals were derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Some information required by the regulatory framework was found to be missing and a possible acute risk to consumers was identified. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only, all MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers and measures for reduction of the consumer exposure should also be considered.

Reasoned opinion on the joint review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fosetyl, disodium phosphonate and potassium phosphonates according to Articles 12 and 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

EFSA received from the European Commission a mandate to provide its reasoned opinion on the joint review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fosetyl and phosphonates in or on food and feed according to Article 43 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 potassium and disodium phosphonates. As fosetyl, potassium phosphonates and disodium phosphonates degrade to phosphonic acid, it was considered appropriate to jointly review the residues of these three active substances. To assess the occurrence of fosetyl, potassium phosphonates and disodium phosphonate 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 as well as the European authorisations reported by Member States (including the supporting residues data) and the monitoring data from official control. 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 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 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.