Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for zoxamide in various leafy crops

Abstract

Abstract In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Italy, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), received an application from the company Gowan ‐ Comércio Internacional e Serviços Lda to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance zoxamide in the groups ‘lettuces and salad plants’, ‘spinaches and similar leaves’ and ‘herbs and edible flowers’. In order to accommodate for the intended uses of zoxamide, Italy proposed to raise the existing MRL from the limit of quantification (0.02 mg/kg) to 30 mg/kg in all crops under consideration. According to EFSA, the submitted residue trials on lettuce, rocket, endive, chicory and escarole are sufficient to derive a MRL proposal of 30 mg/kg, extrapolated to the groups ‘lettuces and salad plants’, ‘spinaches and similar leaves’ and ‘herbs and edible flowers’. EFSA concludes that the intended use of zoxamide on the crops under consideration will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference value and therefore is unlikely to pose a concern for public health.

Keywords

• zoxamide
• lettuce
• leafy crops
• MRL application
• consumer risk assessment