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 levels for pendimethalin in peas (with pods), beans (with pods) and leeks.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant BASF Agro B.V. submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance pendimethalin in peas (with pods), beans (with pods) and leeks. 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 pendimethalin 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 pendimethalin 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.

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

The applicant Belchim Crop Protection submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to evaluate the confirmatory data that were identified for tebufenpyrad 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, new residue trials on peaches, apricots and raspberries (extrapolated to blackberries and dewberries) as well as a new analytical method for enforcement in animal commodities and its independent laboratory validation were submitted. The data gaps were considered satisfactorily addressed. The new information provided required a revision of the existing MRLs for peaches and apricots while the existing MRLs for blackberries and dewberries could be confirmed. An update of the consumer risk assessment for tebufenpyrad was performed in light of the new data submitted and it did not indicate any consumer intake concerns in relation to the chronic exposure and the acute exposure of the crops under consideration in the present assessment.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for prothioconazole in garlic, onions and shallots.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Bayer SAS - Crop Science Division submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance prothioconazole in garlic, onions and shallots. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for garlic, onion and shallots. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available 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.

Setting of import tolerance for tricyclazole in rice.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Corteva Agriscience submitted a request to the competent national authority in Italy to set an import tolerance for the active substance tricyclazole in rice. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an maximum residue level (MRL) proposal for rice. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of tricyclazole in rice 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 tricyclazole according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Setting of import tolerances for mandipropamid in papayas.

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 mandipropamid in papayas. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an maximum residue level (MRL) proposal of 0.8 mg/kg for papayas. 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.

Setting of import tolerances for fipronil in potatoes, sugar canes and commodities of animal origin.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant BASF SE submitted a request to the competent national authority in Austria to set an import tolerance for the active substance fipronil in potatoes, maize, rice, sugar canes and to modify the existing EU MRLs (maximum residue levels) for fipronil in commodities of animal origin. During the assessment, the applicant withdrew the import tolerance requests on maize and rice. The data submitted in support of the present assessment were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposal for sugar canes. For potatoes, data gaps were identified which precluded the derivation of MRL proposal. The livestock exposure to fipronil residues from the intake of sugar canes molasses required the setting of MRL in fat of bovine, sheep and goat. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the total residues of fipronil in plant and animal matrices at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) 0.005 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that consumer intake concerns are not associated with fipronil residues in food commodities under consideration: sugar canes and fat of bovine, sheep and goat. There are no EU authorisations of fipronil as well as no Codex maximum residue limits (CXLs) or import tolerances are set for fipronil in the EU MRL legislation; therefore, other plant and animal commodities were not considered in the consumer exposure assessment.

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 metaldehyde in flowering brassica and leafy brassica.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Glanzit Pfeiffer Gmbh & Co. KG submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance metaldehyde in flowering brassica and leafy brassica. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for both brassica crop groups. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of metaldehyde on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.05 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the intended uses of metaldehyde according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The long-term consumer risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative only due to the data gaps identified for certain existing MRLs in the framework of the MRL review of metaldehyde according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

Evaluation of confirmatory data following the Article 12 MRL review and modification of the existing maximum residue levels for penconazole in various crops.

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 penconazole in the framework of the maximum residue level (MRL) review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as not available. Moreover, in the application submitted to Germany, the applicant also included a request to raise the existing MRLs in pome fruits, raspberries and blackberries. To address the data gaps, detailed results on the metabolism substudy in tomato, a new storage stability on metabolites CGA127841, CGA132465 and CGA190503 and new residue trials were submitted. The data gap on metabolism was considered satisfactorily addressed. The data gap on complete sets of residue trials analysing simultaneously for monitoring and risk assessment residue definitions was considered addressed for raspberries, blackberries, pumpkins and watermelons; not addressed for pome fruits, stone fruits, grapes, gooseberries, tomatoes and aubergines. The new information provided justified an increase of the existing MRLs for pome fruits, plums, blackberries and raspberries and a revision of the risk assessment performed for penconazole. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of penconazole 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 penconazole according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for cypermethrins 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 group of pesticide active substances cypermethrins. To assess the occurrence of cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin 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 (codex maximum residue limits; CXLs) for cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin and zeta-cypermethrin as well as the European authorisations and import tolerances reported by Member States and the UK (including the supporting residues data) for cypermethrin and zeta-cypermethrin. The toxicological profile of zeta-cypermethrin was also assessed. Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived, and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Some information required by the regulatory framework was missing and a possible chronic/acute risk to consumer 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.

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

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 bifenthrin 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 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.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels 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 modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance sulfoxaflor in lettuce and salad plants (except lettuce), beans with pods and peas without pods. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all crops under consideration. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of sulfoxaflor 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 sulfoxaflor according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

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

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 modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance prosulfocarb in herbs and edible flowers. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the group of herbs and edible flowers. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of prosulfocarb 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 prosulfocarb according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue level for folpet in lettuces.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Probelte SA submitted a request to the competent national authority in Spain to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance folpet in lettuces. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for lettuces. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of folpet and phthalimide in high water content commodities at the validated LOQ values of 0.05 mg/kg for folpet and 0.01 mg/kg for phthalimide. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of folpet according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue level for acequinocyl in sweet peppers/bell peppers.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Agro-Kanesho submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance acequinocyl in sweet peppers/bell peppers. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposal for peppers. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of acequinocyl in peppers 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 acequinocyl according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

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

The applicant Syngenta Crop Protection AG submitted a request to the competent national authority in Sweden to evaluate the confirmatory data that were identified for diquat in the framework of the MRL review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as not available. The applicant provided sufficient data to address the data gaps related to plant metabolism studies and analytical methods for plant and animal products. The data gap requesting further studies to investigate the nature of residues of diquat and its metabolite TOPPS in processed products was not sufficiently addressed. Considering the new studies submitted under the current application and considering that the EU uses for diquat had to be withdrawn following a decision on non-approval, EFSA proposed the lowering of the existing MRLs to the appropriate limit of quantifications for the commodities under assessment. In addition, EFSA proposed to perform a more comprehensive review of the existing MRLs that were not subject to the current assessment, taking into account the findings and conclusions of the peer review, the consequences of the non-approval decision and the revisions of Codex MRLs.

Evaluation of confirmatory data following the Article 12 MRL review and modification of the existing maximum residue levels for deltamethrin in tomatoes and okra/lady's fingers.

The applicants Bayer SAS - Crop Science Division, Diachem S.p.A. and Isagro S.p.A., submitted two requests to the competent national authority in Austria to evaluate the confirmatory data identified for deltamethrin in the framework of the maximum residue level (MRL) review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as not available. The application from Bayer SAS - Crop Science Division also included a proposal for the modification of the MRL for deltamethrin in tomatoes in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. A third application was submitted by the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food chain safety and Environment on behalf of Belgium, to modify the existing maximum residue level for the active substance in okra/lady's fingers. The three applications were combined by EFSA under the current assessment. The data gaps based on monitoring analytical methods were addressed; the data gaps on storage stability studies, processing trials in potatoes, metabolism studies of deltamethrin isomers in livestock and livestock feeding studies were not addressed by providing the requested experimental data; data gap on residue trials analysing simultaneously for monitoring and risk assessment residue definitions was not addressed for most of the concerned crops and requires risk managers' decisions in numerous cases. The new information provided requires a revision of certain existing MRLs. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of deltamethrin in plant and animal matrices at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the results of the refined risk assessment following evaluation of the confirmatory data, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the proposed uses of deltamethrin according to the reported agricultural practices are unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative and affected by non-standard uncertainties.

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.