Comprehensive EU Regulatory Review of the Herbicide Lenacil

According to the latest news from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), on July 5, 2024, the agency conducted a peer review of the pesticide risk assessment for the active substance lenacil (an herbicide) and published a detailed report. This review was carried out within the framework of Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, which establishes the general principles for the assessment and approval of active substances in pesticides, and has been amended by Regulation (EU) 2018/1659. The main purpose of this review was to conduct an in-depth peer examination of the risks preliminarily assessed by the authorities of Belgium as the Rapporteur Member State and Austria as the Co-Rapporteur Member State.

In this comprehensive assessment process, EFSA thoroughly considered the representative uses of the herbicide lenacil on sugar beets for sugar and feed. The agency identified several key reliable endpoints that are essential for regulatory risk assessment. At the same time, EFSA also identified some missing information required by the regulatory framework, which will be listed for further study and supplementation.

Furthermore, during the review process, EFSA reported on the issues found and potential concerns. The publication of this report not only provides a scientific basis for the use of lenacil but also serves as an important reference for regulatory authorities to conduct risk management. Overall, this peer review ensured the rigor and scientific nature of the EU's pesticide management, safeguarding the safety and sustainability of EU agricultural production, while also providing a solid guarantee for the protection of the environment and human health.