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.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels and setting of import tolerances for fluopyram 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 Italy to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance fluopyram in kiwi. Additionally, the applicants Bayer Crop Science SA and Bayer SAS Crop Science Division submitted two applications to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the MRLs for fluopyram in certain stem vegetables, seed spices, apples and soyabeans based on intended EU uses as well as to lower the existing EU MRL in pome fruits and to raise the existing EU MRL in peanuts on the basis of authorised use of fluopyram in the USA. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all the crops under assessment except for palm hearts and bamboo shoots. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of fluopyram in 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 intake of residues resulting from the use of fluopyram according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. A long-term consumer intake concern is identified if the current MRL of 0.8 mg/kg in pome fruits is maintained and new MRLs for other commodities under consideration are supported, with apples being the highest contributing commodity to the diet for which exposure exceedances were noted. The chronic risk for consumers is unlikely if a lower MRL of 0.6 mg/kg in pome fruits proposed by the applicant is considered. Further risk manager considerations are required.

Setting of import tolerances for sulfoxaflor in various crops.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Dow AgroSciences Ltd submitted a request to the competent national authority in Greece to set an import tolerance for the active substance sulfoxaflor in various crops. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive import tolerance proposals for cane fruits, blueberries, avocados, mangoes, pineapples, asparagus, globe artichokes, sunflower seeds and coffee beans. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of sulfoxaflor in plant matrices 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 sulfoxaflor according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Targeted review of maximum residues levels (MRLs) for haloxyfop-P.

In compliance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) received a mandate from the European Commission to perform a targeted review of the existing maximum residues levels (MRLs) for the active substance haloxyfop-P to check whether the existing EU MRL in onions, sunflower seeds and soya beans (covering codex maximum residue limits (CXLs) or import tolerances) and the proposed import tolerance MRLs in linseeds, rapeseeds/canola seeds are safe for consumers and can eventually be maintained in the MRL Regulation after the expiry of the approval of the active substance. EFSA screened these MRLs considering the toxicological reference values established during the EU peer review process for the renewal of the approval of haloxyfop-P and identified chronic consumer intake concerns for two diets when for the remaining plant and animal commodities, the input values were at the LOQ. Fall-back MRLs could not be proposed, but the additional information provided by EURLs allowed to resolve the chronic intake concerns using lower validated LOQs for a range of plant commodities and milk. EFSA concludes that the existing EU MRLs in soya beans and onions, the CXL in sunflower seeds and the proposed import tolerances in linseed and rapeseed/canola seeds are not expected to pose a risk to consumers. However, to guarantee consumer's safety regarding the chronic exposure to haloxyfop-P residues, the enforcement LOQs in several plant commodities and milks would have to be lowered to the levels reported by the EURLs.

Setting of an import tolerance for oxathiapiprolin in blueberries.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant DuPont submitted a request to the competent national authority in Ireland to set an import tolerance for the active substance oxathiapiprolin in blueberries in support of an authorised use in the United States. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive a maximum residue level (MRL) proposal for highbush blueberries by noting that lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) are excluded from the authorised use in the United States. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of oxathiapiprolin in plant matrices 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 oxathiapiprolin according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue level for apricots and setting of import tolerances for cyantraniliprole in various crops.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants FMC International and Syngenta Crop Protection submitted two requests to the competent national authority in France, respectively, to set import tolerances for the active substance cyantraniliprole in various crops and to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) in apricots. The data submitted in support of the requests were found sufficient to derive MRL proposals for apricots, potatoes, tropical root and tuber vegetables, cucurbits (inedible peel), lettuces and salad plants, Chinese cabbage and other leafy brassica (except kale), spinaches and similar leaves (except spinach), parsley and minor oilseeds. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the dietary intake of residues resulting from the uses of cyantraniliprole according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health for the parent compound. A definitive conclusion on the risk for consumers cannot be derived for the degradation products IN-N5M09 and IN-F6L99 which are formed during cooking/boiling. For both compounds, the concerns on genotoxicity have been ruled out, but the general toxicity has not been addressed. The indicative exposure calculated by the EMS and EFSA for these compounds is affected by non-standard uncertainties but can support risk managers to take an informed decision on the requested modification of the existing MRLs for the crops under assessment.

Setting of import tolerances for deltamethrin in mangoes and papayas.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Bayer SAS submitted a request to the competent national authority in Austria to set import tolerances for the active substance deltamethrin in mangoes and papayas. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive maximum residue level (MRL) proposals for mangoes and papayas. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of deltamethrin (cis-deltamethrin) 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 deltamethrin according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative and affected by non-standard uncertainties.

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.

Setting of an import tolerance for flutolanil in peanuts.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Nichino America Inc submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to set an import tolerance for the active substance flutolanil in peanuts. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive maximum residue level (MRL) proposal for peanuts. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of flutolanil in plant matrices at the validated limited 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 flutolanil according to the reported agricultural practice 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.

Setting of an import tolerance for potassium phosphonates in blueberries.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Exponent International Ltd. (on behalf of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC)) submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to set an import tolerance for the active substance potassium phosphonates in blueberries. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive a maximum residue level (MRL) proposal for blueberries. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of phosphonic acid on the commodity under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.1 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 potassium phosphonates according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The consumer risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative and a refined intake assessment will be performed in the framework of the joint review of MRLs for fosetyl and phosphonates.

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

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

Evaluation of confirmatory data following the Article 12 MRL review and setting of import tolerances for bifenthrin in maize grain and sweet corn.

The applicant FMC Agricultural Solutions A/S submitted a request to the competent national authority in Belgium to evaluate the confirmatory data that were identified 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 storage stability study was submitted and information on an analytical method for determination of bifenthrin in eggs was made available. The data gaps were sufficiently addressed. The new information provided, did not require a revision of the existing MRLs. In addition, in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant submitted a request to set import tolerances for bifenthrin in sweet corn and maize grain. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for maize grain only. For sweet corn, data gaps were identified which precluded the derivation of an MRL proposal. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of bifenthrin (sum of isomers) in plant matrices under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg and in animal matrices. EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the uses of bifenthrin according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The risk assessment is affected by additional non-standard uncertainty related to the expiry of EU authorisation for a number of crops for which previously EU MRLs were established, and which are still included in the risk assessment.

Setting of import tolerances for chlorantraniliprole in strawberries and pulses.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant FMC Agro Limited submitted a request to the competent national authority in the UK to set import tolerances for the active substance chlorantraniliprole in strawberries and the whole category pulses (beans, lentils, peas and lupins/lupini beans). The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an maximum residue level (MRL) proposal for the whole category pulses. The available data are not sufficient to derive an import tolerance for strawberries and no modification of the current EU MRL is required. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of chlorantraniliprole 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 chlorantraniliprole 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.

Evaluation of confirmatory data following the Article 12 MRL review for chlorothalonil, including assessments for import tolerances for banana, papaya and peanuts.

The applicants Syngenta Crop Protection, UPL Europe Ltd. and Oxon Italia S.p.A. submitted requests to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to evaluate the confirmatory data for chlorothalonil that were identified in the framework of the MRL review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as not available; in addition, Syngenta and UPL submitted requests for modifications of existing MRLs. Considering the recent decision on the non-approval of chlorothalonil, the requests for amending existing MRLs to reflect intended EU uses for chlorothalonil and confirmatory data for EU uses became obsolete. EFSA focused therefore its assessment on the import tolerances and on general information on the analytical method required to enforce legal limits for chlorothalonil and its metabolite SDS-3701 (R182281). Analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of chlorothalonil and SDS-3701 in plant matrices at the validated LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg; data on the extraction efficiency for high oil content matrices as requested in the MRL review were not provided. This data gap is relevant for the import tolerance for peanuts. The data submitted in support of import tolerances were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for chlorothalonil and SDS-3701 for bagged bananas, papayas and peanuts. Studies investigating the effect of high temperature processing on the magnitude of SDS-3701 in processed products are not available. Based on exposure calculations for chlorothalonil, EFSA concluded that the long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of chlorothalonil according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumers. For papaya, an acute intake concern was noted for chlorothalonil, while for banana and peanuts, the expected short-term intake of chlorothalonil residues was below the toxicological reference value. For the metabolite SDS-3701, the toxicological profile is not fully elucidated, and therefore, toxicological reference values could not be derived. Hence, for this metabolite, the consumer risk assessment cannot be finalised.

Setting of import tolerances, modification of existing maximum residue levels and evaluation of confirmatory data following the Article 12 MRL review for flupyradifurone and DFA.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants Bayer CropScience AG and Bayer SAS submitted two requests to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to set import tolerances and to modify existing EU maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance flupyradifurone and its metabolite difluoroacetic acid (DFA) in various crops. The application also included the request to evaluate the confirmatory data related to residues that were identified in the framework of the peer review of flupyradifurone under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 as not available. The data submitted in support of intended and authorised uses were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for flupyradifurone and DFA in all crops under consideration except for prickly pear and hops; for grapefruit, pome fruits, grape leaves and witloof, further risk management discussion is recommended to decide on the appropriate MRL. Furthermore, EFSA recommended risk management discussion to examine different options to deal with DFA residues in crops that can be grown in crop rotation. The calculated livestock dietary burdens indicated that existing EU MRLs for flupyradifurone and DFA in animal commodities need to be modified. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of flupyradifurone and the DFA in plant and animal matrices. The submitted data are considered sufficient to address the data gaps related to residues which were identified in the framework of the EU pesticides peer review, and thus, the footnotes set for DFA and flupyradifurone MRLs in the Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1902 can be deleted. Based on the consumer exposure assessment, acute consumer exposure concerns could not be excluded for tomatoes, melons, celery and processed escaroles. Hence, the raising of the existing MRLs for flupyradifurone in these crops is not recommended. For these four crops, MRL proposals for DFA were derived, which reflect the uptake of residues via soil resulting from previous use of flupyradifurone. For the remaining commodities of plant and animal origin, EFSA concludes that the intended EU uses and authorised US and Canadian uses of flupyradifurone and resulting residues of DFA will not result in chronic or acute consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a risk to consumers' health.

Setting of import tolerances for flonicamid in various crops and products of animal origin.

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 Finland to set an import tolerance for the active substance flonicamid in various crops and products of animal origin on the basis of the authorised use of flonicamid in the USA. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive maximum residue level (MRL) proposals for all crops under assessment. Based on the results of the feeding studies and the updated animal burden calculations, no need for new MRL proposals on products of animal origin was identified. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of flonicamid in plant and animal matrices. EFSA updated the most recent consumer risk assessment for flonicamid and concluded that the authorised USA uses of flonicamid will not result in acute or chronic consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and, therefore, is unlikely to pose a risk to consumers' health.

Setting of import tolerances for oxathiapiprolin in various crops.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Du Pont (UK) submitted a request to the competent national authority in the United Kingdom to set an import tolerance for the active substance oxathiapiprolin in various crops in support of authorised uses in the United States. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive maximum residue level (MRL) proposals for citrus fruits, blackberries, raspberries, Chinese cabbage, basil and edible flowers and asparagus. For dewberries, potatoes and sweet potatoes, data gaps were identified which precluded the derivation of MRL proposals. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of oxathiapiprolin in plant matrices 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 oxathiapiprolin according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Setting of import tolerances for lufenuron in various commodities of plant and animal origin.

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 Portugal to set import tolerances for the active substance lufenuron in grapefruits, oranges, limes, pome fruits, peppers, coffee, sugar canes, muscle, fat, liver and kidney on the basis of the authorised uses of lufenuron in Brazil, Chile and Morocco. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive maximum residue level (MRL) proposals for all commodities under assessment. For oranges, limes, pome fruits, peppers and coffee beans and commodities of animal origin, the submitted data indicated no need to modify the existing EU MRLs. For grapefruits and sugar cane, the residue data indicated that higher MRLs would be needed. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of lufenuron in plant and animal matrices. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the existing EU uses and the authorised uses of lufenuron in Brazil, Chile and Morocco will not result in chronic consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference value. Considering, however, that the estimated exposure is close to the acceptable daily intake (ADI) and in the light of the expiry of the approval of the active substance, EFSA recommends the review of the existing MRLs taking into account that the MRLs based on the EU uses will become obsolete.

Setting of import tolerances for abamectin in various crops.

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 set an import tolerance for the active substance abamectin in various commodities imported from the United States of America. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for tree nuts, peaches, avocados, lettuces and salad plants, spinaches and similar leaves, Florence fennels and cotton seed. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of abamectin 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 use of abamectin according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.