On October 21, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for picloram in rape seed and mustard seed.
Abstract
In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the United Kingdom, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), received an application from Dow AgroSciences Ltd. to modify the existing MRLs for the active substance picloram in rape seed and mustard seed. In order to accommodate for the intended use of picloram, the United Kingdom proposed to raise the existing MRL from the limit of quantification to 0.03 mg/kg. The United Kingdom 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 a MRL proposal of 0.03 mg/kg for the proposed use on rape seed and mustard seed. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the proposed use of picloram on rape seed and mustard seed will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a consumer health risk. Data gap regarding the lack of rotational crop field study identified by the peer review is confirmed in the current assessment and has to be further considered in the framework of the MRL review according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.
