Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRL for phenmedipham in lettuce

• Main Author: European Food Safety Authority
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2014-06-01
• Series: EFSA Journal
• Subjects: phenmedipham; lettuce; MRL application; Regulation (EC) No 396/2005; consumer risk assessment; bis-carbamate herbicide
• Online Access: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/doc/3738.pdf

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 the Horticultural Development Council to modify the existing MRL for phenmedipham in lettuce and other salad plants. The United Kingdom proposed to raise the existing MRL on lettuce from the LOQ of 0.05 mg/kg to 4 mg/kg. The EMS 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. Although the residue trials according to the intended GAP are sufficient in number, as long as the data gap identified regarding the nature of residues of phenmedipham in leafy crops is not addressed, EFSA does not recommend setting a MRL to accommodate for the intended use in lettuce.