EFSA Journal (Nov 2012)
Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for thiamethoxam and clothianidin in various crops
Abstract
In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Spain herewith referred to as the evaluating Member State Spain (EMS Spain), received and application from Syngenta Agro to modify the existing MRLs for the active substance thiamethoxam in artichokes, table olives and olives for oil production and for clothianidin in table olives and olives for oil production, based on the intended use of thiamethoxam. Spain received also another application from Syngenta Crop Protection AG to modify the existing MRLs for thiamethoxam and clothianidin in cauliflower, based on the intended use of thiamethoxam. In order to accommodate for the intended SEU use of thiamethoxam, the EMS Spain proposed to raise the existing MRLs for thiamethoxam in table olives and olives for oil production from 0.05 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg and to raise the existing MRLs for clothianidin in table olives, olives for oil production and cauliflower, resulting from the use of thiamethoxam from 0.02 mg/kg to 0.09 and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively. For artichokes, the existing MRLs for thiamethoxam and clothianidin, and for cauliflower the existing MRL for thiamethoxam, do not need to be modified. Germany, herewith referred to as the evaluating Member State Germany (EMS Germany), compiled an application to raise the existing MRLs for clothianidin in herbs (except chervil) to 1.5 mg/kg, based on the intended NEU use of clothianidin. According to EFSA, the data are sufficient to derive MRL proposals for thiamethoxam and clothianidin in the crops under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the intended use of thiamethoxam on table olives, olives for oil production, cauliflower and artichokes as well as the intended use of clothianidin on herbs, 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 Member States when granting new authorizations on the use of thiamethoxam and clothianidin implement appropriate risk mitigation measures to protect honey bees.
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