Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for fluopicolide in various vegetable crops

Abstract In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the United Kingdom, herewith referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS‐UK), received an application from Bayer CropScience to set import tolerances for the active substance fluopicolide on carrots, radishes and sugar beet. In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Italy, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS‐IT), received an application from Bayer CropScience to modify the existing MRLs for the active substance fluopicolide on certain leaf vegetables and herbs. Both the United Kingdom and Italy 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. EFSA combined both applications in one reasoned opinion. According to EFSA the data are sufficient to derive the following MRL proposals: 0.2 mg/kg for radishes and carrots; 0.15 mg/kg for sugar beet; 9 mg/kg for the crop group of lettuce and other salad plants, including Brassicaceae and for the crop group of herbs; 4 mg/kg for the crop group of spinach and similar (leaves). Adequate analytical enforcement methods are available to control the residues of fluopicolide in the crops under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the intended uses of fluopicolide on the crops under consideration, except the more critical indoor use and outdoor use in Southern Europe on scarole, will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values of fluopicolide and the metabolite M‐01 and therefore is unlikely to pose a public health risk. For scarole, EFSA proposes a MRL derived from a less critical use, which is not leading to a consumer concern.