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

In 2022, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a dietary cumulative risk assessment for active substances of plant protection products on two types of craniofacial alterations: 1) craniofacial alterations due to abnormal skeletal development and 2) head soft tissue alterations and brain neural tube defects. These effects were selected based on developmental biology knowledge and a hypothetical teratogenic process. Cumulative risk assessment was conducted for 14 European populations of women in childbearing age.

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.

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.

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.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance 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 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 strain PL11 as nematicide on tomato, pepper, aubergine, cucumber, courgette, melon, watermelon, pumpkin (field and greenhouse applications).

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for cyantraniliprole in olives.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant FMC International Switzerland Sarl (FISSarl) submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance cyantraniliprole in table olives and olives for oil production. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the intended uses of cyantraniliprole in olives. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of cyantraniliprole in the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Straight Chain Lepidopteran Pheromones (SCLPs).

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Italy and co-rapporteur Member State France for the pesticide active substances that are Straight Chain Lepidopteran Pheromones (SCLPs) and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substances in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of representative uses of some SCLPs as semiochemicals used to protect grapes, pome fruits, walnuts, rice and any other crop (where may be a pest) (all field uses).

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.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance carbon dioxide.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, France, and co-rapporteur Member State, Austria, for the pesticide active substance carbon dioxide 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 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of carbon dioxide as an insecticide and acaricide on stored cereal grains, oilseeds, medicinal plants, cereal products, spices, tobacco, tea, dried fruits and other stored plant products (except semolina and oilseed meal) (all indoor uses).

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.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance strain IT-45.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State, France, for the pesticide active substance strain IT-45 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 use of strain IT-45 as a fungicide on citrus (field use, application to soil via drip irrigation systems).

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance potassium hydrogen carbonate.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, the Netherlands and co-rapporteur Member State, Greece, for the pesticide active substance potassium hydrogen carbonate 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 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of potassium hydrogen carbonate as a fungicide on strawberry, wine and table grapes, pome fruits, stone fruits, ornamentals and cucurbits.

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.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for valifenalate 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 valifenalate. To assess the occurrence of valifenalate 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance subsp. strain EG2348.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, Denmark, and co-rapporteur Member State, the Netherlands, for the pesticide active substance subsp. strain EG2348 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 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance calcium carbonate.

The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Spain and co-rapporteur Member State Hungary for the pesticide active substance calcium carbonate are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of calcium carbonate as a repellent on deciduous and coniferous trees in forestry.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance subsp. strain PB 54.

The conclusions of the EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, Denmark, and co-rapporteur Member State, the Netherlands, for the pesticide active substance subsp. strain PB 54 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 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659.

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.

Review of the existing maximum residue levels for pinoxaden 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 pinoxaden. To assess the occurrence of pinoxaden 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 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.

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.

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.

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.