Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for potassium phosphonates in apricots and cherries

Abstract

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Fitosanitarios de Bajo Riesgo AIE submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance potassium phosphonates in apricots and cherries. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the crops under assessment. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of potassium phosphonates in accordance with the residue definition ‘phosphonic acid and its salts expressed as phosphonic acid’ on commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.1 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative because some MRL proposals derived by EFSA in the framework of the MRL review according to Articles 12 and 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 require further consideration by risk managers.