Proposed Revision of Maximum Residue Limits for MCPA in Cultivated Fungi and Oyster Mushrooms in the European Union

The European Union (EU) is considering revising the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the active substance mepiquat, commonly known as MCPA, in cultivated fungi and oyster mushrooms. The potential revision aims to ensure consumer safety and align with agricultural practices. This article provides an overview of the proposed changes and their implications.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently announced its intention to revise the MRLs for mepiquat in cultivated fungi and oyster mushrooms. BASF SE, the applicant, submitted a request to modify the temporary MRLs to permanent ones, specifically for oyster mushrooms. However, the data provided by BASF SE were deemed insufficient to derive permanent MRL proposals.

EFSA's assessment of the available monitoring data suggests that the existing temporary MRLs for cultivated fungi, excluding oyster mushrooms, adequately account for residue uptake. The assessment also indicated the possibility of establishing lower temporary MRLs based on recent monitoring data. Nevertheless, a risk management decision is required to determine whether to maintain the current temporary MRL value.

Regarding oyster mushrooms, EFSA proposed various options for risk managers to update the temporary MRLs based on the most recent monitoring data from food business operators. The assessment concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from cross-contamination of untreated cultivated fungi, including oyster mushrooms, with mepiquat-treated cereal straw, is unlikely to pose a risk to consumer health.

It is essential to note that the proposed revision aims to ensure the safety of consumers by aligning MRLs with current agricultural practices and risk assessment findings. Adequate analytical methods are available to enforce the MRLs and control mepiquat residues in the commodities under consideration.

The EU is considering revising the MRLs for mepiquat in cultivated fungi and oyster mushrooms to enhance consumer safety. The proposed changes will align the MRLs with current agricultural practices and risk assessment findings. EFSA's assessment suggests that the existing MRLs for cultivated fungi, excluding oyster mushrooms, are sufficient, but lower MRLs could be considered based on recent monitoring data. The short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from cross-contamination of untreated cultivated fungi with mepiquat-treated cereal straw is unlikely to pose a risk to consumer health.