Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for thiacloprid in spinach and similar leaves

Abstract

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Belgium, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), compiled an application to modify the existing MRLs for the active substance thiacloprid in spinach and similar leaves crop group. In order to accommodate the intended indoor and outdoor uses of thiacloprid in Belgium, the EMS proposed to raise the existing MRLs for thiacloprid in spinach and similar leaves group or only in spinach and beet leaves to 0.15 mg/kg. Belgium 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 submitted residue trials data on lettuce are not sufficient to support the residue data extrapolation to the whole group of spinach and similar leaves. Alternatively, the EMS proposed to extrapolate four outdoor residue trials data on open leaf lettuce to spinach and beet leaves only. Although this extrapolation is not explicitly mentioned in the European guidance document, EFSA is of the opinion that the proposal is acceptable, considering the morphological similarities between spinach/beet leaves and open leave varieties of lettuce and taking into account that spinach and beet leaves are minor crops. Thus, a MRL proposal of 0.15 mg/kg is derived. Based on the risk assessment results EFSA concludes that the intended use of thiacloprid on spinach and beet leaves will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a public health concern.

Keywords

• Thiacloprid
• spinach and similar
• MRL application
• Regulation (EC) No 396/2005
• consumer risk assessment
• neonicotinoid insecticide