Risks for animal and human health related to the presence of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in feed and food.

EFSA was asked for a scientific opinion on the risks for animal and human health related to the presence of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in feed and food. The assessment focused on hexaCNs due to very limited data on other PCN congeners. For hexaCNs in feed, 217 analytical results were used to estimate dietary exposures for food-producing and non-food-producing animals; however, a risk characterisation could not be performed because none of the toxicological studies allowed identification of reference points. The oral repeated dose toxicity studies performed in rats with a hexaCN mixture containing all 10 hexaCNs indicated that the critical target was the haematological system. A BMDL20 of 0.05 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day was identified for a considerable decrease in the platelet count. For hexaCNs in food, 2317 analytical results were used to estimate dietary exposures across dietary surveys and age groups. The highest exposure ranged from 0.91 to 29.8 pg/kg bw per day in general population and from 220 to 559 pg/kg bw per day for breast-fed infants with the highest consumption of breast milk. Applying a margin of exposure (MOE) approach, the estimated MOEs for the high dietary exposures ranged from 1,700,000 to 55,000,000 for the general population and from 90,000 to 230,000 for breast-fed infants with the highest consumption of breast milk. These MOEs are far above the minimum MOE of 2000 that does not raise a health concern. Taking account of the uncertainties affecting the assessment, the Panel concluded with at least 99% certainty that dietary exposure to hexaCNs does not raise a health concern for any of the population groups considered. Due to major limitations in the available data, no assessment was possible for genotoxic effects or for health risks of PCNs other than hexaCNs.

Risks for human health related to the presence of grayanotoxins in certain honey.

The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific opinion on the risks for human health of the presence of grayanotoxins (GTXs) in 'certain honey' from Ericaceae plants. The risk assessment included all structurally related grayananes occurring with GTXs in 'certain' honey. Oral exposure is associated with acute intoxication in humans. Acute symptoms affect the muscles, nervous and cardiovascular systems. These may lead to complete atrioventricular block, convulsions, mental confusion, agitation, syncope and respiratory depression. For acute effects, the CONTAM Panel derived a reference point (RP) of 15.3 µg/kg body weight for the sum of GTX I and III based on a BMDL10 for reduced heart rate in rats. A similar relative potency was considered for GTX I. Without chronic toxicity studies, an RP for long-term effects could not be derived. There is evidence for genotoxicity in mice exposed to GTX III or honey containing GTX I and III, showing increased levels of chromosomal damage. The mechanism of genotoxicity is unknown. Without representative occurrence data for the sum of GTX I and III and consumption data from Ericaceae honey, acute dietary exposure was estimated based on selected concentrations for GTX I and III reflecting concentrations measured in 'certain' honeys. Applying a margin of exposure (MOE) approach, the estimated MOEs raised health concerns for acute toxicity. The Panel calculated the highest concentrations for GTX I and III below which no acute effects would be expected following 'certain honey' consumption. The Panel is 75% or more certain that the calculated highest concentration of 0.05 mg for the sum of GTX I and III per kg honey is protective for all age groups regarding acute intoxications. This value does not consider other grayananes in 'certain honey' and does not cover the identified genotoxicity.

Retrospective cumulative dietary risk assessment of craniofacial alterations by residues of pesticides.

EFSA established cumulative assessment groups and conducted retrospective cumulative risk assessments for two types of craniofacial alterations (alterations due to abnormal skeletal development, head soft tissue alterations and brain neural tube defects) for 14 European populations of women in childbearing age. Cumulative acute exposure calculations were performed by probabilistic modelling using monitoring data collected by Member States in 2017, 2018 and 2019. A rigorous uncertainty analysis was performed using expert knowledge elicitation. Considering all sources of uncertainty, their dependencies and differences between populations, it was concluded with varying degrees of certainty that the MOET resulting from cumulative exposure is above 100 for the two types of craniofacial alterations. The threshold for regulatory consideration established by risk managers is therefore not exceeded. Considering the severity of the effects under consideration, it was also assessed whether the MOET is above 500. This was the case with varying levels of certainty for the head soft tissue alterations and brain neural tube defects. However, for the alterations due to abnormal skeletal development, it was found about as likely as not that the MOET is above 500 in most populations. For two populations, it was even found more likely that the MOET is below 500. These results were discussed in the light of the conservatism of the methodological approach.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Purpureocillium lilacinum strain PL11.

The conclusions of the EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State, the United Kingdom, for the pesticide active substance Purpureocillium lilacinum strain PL11 and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of Purpureocillium lilacinum strain PL11 as nematicide on tomato, pepper, aubergine, cucumber, courgette, melon, watermelon, pumpkin (field and greenhouse applications). The reliable endpoints appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed.

Cumulative dietary risk assessment of chronic acetylcholinesterase inhibition by residues of pesticides.

A retrospective cumulative risk assessment of dietary exposure to pesticide residues was conducted for chronic inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. The pesticides considered in this assessment were identified and characterised in a previous scientific report on the establishment of cumulative assessment groups of pesticides for their effects on the nervous system. The exposure assessments used monitoring data collected by Member States under their official pesticide monitoring programmes in 2016, 2017 and 2018, and individual food consumption data from 10 populations of consumers from different countries and from different age groups. Exposure estimates were obtained by means of a two-dimensional probabilistic model, which was implemented in SAS ® software. The characterisation of cumulative risk was supported by an uncertainty analysis based on expert knowledge elicitation. For each of the 10 populations, it is concluded with varying degrees of certainty that cumulative exposure to pesticides contributing to the chronic inhibition of acetylcholinesterase does not exceed the threshold for regulatory consideration established by risk managers.

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.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for thiram 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 thiram. Although this active substance is no longer authorised within the European Union, MRLs based on the use of thiram 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 existing import tolerances, and a consumer risk assessment was carried out for thiram only. Although no apparent risk to consumers was identified, the import tolerances were not fully supported by data. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only and further consideration by risk managers is needed.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for tebufenozide in apricots and peaches.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Nisso Chemical Europe GmbH submitted a request to the competent national authority in Italy to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance tebufenozide in apricots and peaches. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for apricots and peaches. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of tebufenozide 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 tebufenozide according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for spirotetramat in leeks, spring onions and honey.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Bayer S.A.S. - Crop Science division submitted a request to the competent national authority in Austria to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance spirotetramat in leeks, spring onions and in honey. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all these crops and honey. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of spirotetramat and its metabolites in plant matrices on the commodities under consideration and in honey at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg for each analyte. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of spirotetramat according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for bentazone in beans and peas with and without pods.

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 levels (MRLs) for bentazone in beans and peas with and without pods. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for peas with pods. Results from the residue trials indicated that there is no need to modify the existing MRLs for beans with pods, beans without pods and peas without pods. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of bentazone and its metabolites in the commodity under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. EFSA concluded that the proposed use of bentazone on peas with pods will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a risk to consumers' health for parent bentazone. The risk assessment however is indicative and affected by additional, non-standard uncertainties resulting from the insufficient information related to the toxicological properties for 6-hydroxy-bentazone in the wheat metabolism study.

Focussed assessment of certain existing MRLs of concern for Spinosad.

In compliance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the EFSA received from the European Commission a mandate to provide its reasoned opinion on the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for spinosad which might lead to consumers intake concerns on the basis of a new toxicological reference value established during the peer review and of the data currently available to EFSA. In order to identify the MRLs of potential concern that require a more detailed assessment, EFSA screened the existing MRLs for spinosad considering the new toxicological reference values and an acute risk could not be excluded for six commodities. Fall-back MRLs for all six commodities were proposed on the basis of the data received under the present assessment.

Modification of the existing maximum residue level for phenmedipham in celeriac.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant UPL Europe Ltd. submitted an application to the competent national authority in Germany (evaluating Member State, EMS) to raise the existing maximum residue level (MRL) to 0.15 mg/kg for the active substance phenmedipham in celeriac. The submitted residue trials are sufficient to derive a tentative MRL of 0.15 mg/kg, pending further investigation of nature of phenmedipham residues in root crops. For this assessment EFSA considered that the available sugar beet metabolism data can be extrapolated to celeriac on a tentative basis. The acceptability of such proposal shall be further considered by risk managers. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of phenmedipham in celeriac at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Since the current MRL application was submitted before the finalisation of the EU pesticides peer review of the renewal of the approval of phenmedipham, the consumer exposure assessment was performed according to the conclusions on the toxicity of phenmedipham from the first approval under Directive 91/414/EEC. Accordingly, the long-term intake of residues of phenmedipham resulting from the existing and the intended uses does not indicate a risk to consumer health. The present assessment does not consider the data gaps identified in the context of the renewal of the approval of phenmedipham under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 which prevented experts to derive toxicological reference values (TRVs) for phenmedipham, to derive the risk assessment residue definition for root crops other than sugar beet and to conclude on the toxicity of relevant metabolites.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for cyprodinil in blueberries, cranberries, currants and gooseberries.

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 (MRL) for the active substance cyprodinil in blueberries, cranberries, currants and gooseberries. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for blueberries, cranberries, currants and gooseberries. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of cyprodinil 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 uses of cyprodinil on blueberries, cranberries, currants and gooseberries according to the reported agricultural practices will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference value and therefore is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for cyproconazole 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 cyproconazole. Considering that no application was received to support the renewal of the approval of cyproconazole and considering the expiry date for its approval on 31 May 2021, and that the import tolerances identified were not supported by sufficient data, and are not forming the basis of any existing EU MRLs, but correspond to existing MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (codex maximum residue limits; CXLs), the current assessment is limited to CXLs. To assess the occurrence of cyproconazole residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EC) No 33/2008, as well as the MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Based on the assessment of the available data, EFSA assessed the CXLs 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.

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 for tau-fluvalinate in tomatoes and watermelons.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant ADAMA Agriculture BV on behalf of ADAMA Makhteshim Ltd submitted a request to the competent national authority in Denmark to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) for the active substance tau-fluvalinate in tomatoes and watermelons. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for tomatoes. For watermelons, a change of the MRL recently set in the EU legislation is not required. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of tau-fluvalinate in 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 intended uses of tau-fluvalinate according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for 8-hydroxyquinoline 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 8-hydroxyquinoline. To assess the occurrence of 8-hydroxyquinoline residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EC) No 33/2008, as well as the European authorisations reported by Member States (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 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene 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 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene. To assess the occurrence of 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene 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 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 all MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for folpet in barley, oat, rye and wheat.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Adama Agriculture B.V on behalf of Adama Makhteshim Ltd submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) for the active substance folpet in barley, oat, rye and wheat. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for these commodities. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of folpet and phthalimide in dry commodities at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg per analyte. 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 practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for flupyradifurone and DFA in okra/lady's finger.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment on behalf of Belgium (evaluating Member State, EMS) submitted an application to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance flupyradifurone and its metabolite difluoroacetic acid (DFA) in okra/lady's finger. The data submitted in support of the request were found sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the crop under consideration. The potential contribution of DFA residues in okra/lady's finger from the soil uptake was also estimated. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the relevant residues in the crop under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the long-term intake of residues of flupyradifurone and of its soil metabolite DFA resulting from the use of flupyradifurone is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. Due to the lack of proper consumption data of okra/lady's finger, the acute exposure assessment could not be reliably undertaken but due to this crop being a minor commodity it is unlikely that acute consumer intake concerns will be associated with this crop.