Pesticide residues of benoxaprofen emerge, EFSA review finds potential health risks, EU food safety may be in trouble by 2024!

On 30 July 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a comprehensive review of the European maximum residue limits (MRLS) for difenoconazole, a pesticide active substance, in accordance with Article 12 of Commission Regulation 396/2005. The purpose of this review is to ensure that residues of phenoxyconazole in food do not pose a health risk to consumers. During the review process, EFSA conducted an in-depth assessment and analysis of the relevant data available to ensure its scientific and accurate nature.

Based on these assessments, EFSA put forward a proposal for maximum residue limits (MRL), on the basis of which it conducted a consumer risk assessment. However, due to the fact that some of the information required in the regulatory framework has not yet been fully gathered, and the possible acute risks to consumer health identified during the assessment, the results of this consumer risk assessment are only indicative and not final.

EFSA's MRL recommendations therefore require further careful consideration by risk managers. Risk managers need to actively explore and take effective measures to reduce the risks that consumers may face when consuming food containing phenacetoconazole residues, taking into account all relevant factors. This includes, but is not limited to, adjusting MRL values, improving pesticide use practices, or strengthening regulatory measures.

Specifically, in accordance with Article 12 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a review of the MRLS for phenaceformazole at EU level. In order to make a comprehensive assessment of phenoxyconazole residues in plants, processed products, crop rotations and livestock, EFSA took into account the conclusions reached in the framework of Council Directive 91/414/EEC, the MRLs set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and the European authorizations (including supporting residue data) reported by Member States and the UK. Based on a thorough evaluation of the available data, the MRL proposal was developed and a consumer risk assessment was conducted. Due to the absence of certain information required by the regulatory framework and the identification of possible acute risks to consumer health, this consumer risk assessment is indicative only. Some of EFSA's MRL recommendations therefore require further careful consideration by risk managers and should consider measures to reduce consumer exposure.