Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for propiconazole in citrus fruits

• Main Author: European Food Safety Authority
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2012-12-01
• Series: EFSA Journal
• Subjects: Propiconazole; citrus fruits; MRL application; Regulation (EC) No 396/2005; consumer risk assessment; chemical group; triazole fungicide.
• Online Access: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/doc/3049.pdf

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Spain, herewith referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), received an application from Makhteshim Agan España S.A. to modify the existing MRL for the active substance propiconazole in citrus fruits. In order to accommodate for the intended post-harvest use of propiconazole, the EMS proposed to raise the existing MRL in citrus fruit from the limit of quantification (0.05 mg/kg) to 5 mg/kg. According to EFSA the data are sufficient and according to the OECD methodology a MRL proposal of 6 mg/kg is derived for propiconazole in citrus fruits. The existing EU MRLs for propiconazole in food commodities of animal origin need to be modified for ruminant kidney, fat and meat reflecting the feed intake of citrus pomace. For ruminant liver and milk the existing MRLs do not have to be modified. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the intended use of propiconazole on citrus fruits and residues in ruminant meat, fat and kidney will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a public health concern.