Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for tau-fluvalinate in various crops

• Main Author: European Food Safety Authority
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2014-01-01
• Series: EFSA Journal
• Subjects: tau-fluvalinate; fruits and vegetables; MRL application; Regulation (EC) No 396/2005; consumer risk assessment; pyrethroid insecticide and acaricide
• Online Access: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/doc/3548.pdf

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Denmark, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), received an application from Makhteshim-Agan Holding BV to modify the existing MRLs for the active substance tau-fluvalinate in pome fruits, peaches, apricots, grapes, tomatoes, aubergines, melons, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, globe artichokes, lettuce and other salad plants. In order to accommodate the intended SEU and NEU uses of tau-fluvalinate, the EMS proposed to raise the existing MRLs in all crops under consideration, except in tomato. EMS drafted an evaluation report in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, which was submitted to the European Commission and forwarded to EFSA. According to EFSA the data are sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all crops under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the intended use of tau-fluvalinate on the crops under consideration will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a public health concern. EFSA notes that data gaps regarding toxicity of metabolite 3-phenoxybenzaldehyde and its magnitude in processed commodities were identified and shall be further addressed.