freshproduceconsortium blog

Reasoned opinion on the review of the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for asulam according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005

Considering that the use of asulam is no longer authorised within the EU (authorisations for emergency situations in plant protection granted in application of Article 53 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 are not considered in the context of this Reasoned Opinion), that no CXLs are available for this active substance and that no uses authorised in third countries were notified to the RMS, residues of asulam are not expected to occur in any plant commodity.

Nevertheless, primary crop metabolism of asulam was investigated for leafy vegetable (spinach). Parent remains the major residues in leafy crops, but is likely to conjugate into asulam malonyl (also during the storage of samples).

Therefore, the most relevant residue for enforcement against a potential illegal use on plant (leafy crops) should be the sum of asulam and asulam malonyl, expressed as asulam. There are indications that asulam and asulam malonyl can be enforced with an LOQ of 0.05 mg/kg for each compound in plant commodities.

For more information see: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3230.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=pub&utm_campaign=20130522

Reasoned opinion on the review of the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for flumioxazin according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005

 Primary crop metabolism of flumioxazin was investigated following pre-mergence soil application on fruits and fruiting vegetables and on pulses and oilseeds. Metabolism following foliar application on sugar cane was also investigated and the relevant residue for enforcement and risk assessment in all commodities of plant origin is defined as flumioxazin only. Analytical methods for enforcement of the residue definition are available in foods of plant origin with an LOQ of 0.02 mg/kg in high water content and dry commodities and an LOQ of 0.05 mg/kg in acidic and high fat content commodities.

Regarding the magnitude of residues in all crops reported by the RMS, at least one GAP was supported by a sufficient number of supervised residue trials, which allowed EFSA to estimate the expected residue concentrations in all the relevant plant commodities and to derive appropriate MRLs, except for onions where a tentative MRL is derived.

For more information see: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3225.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=pub&utm_campaign=20130522

Reasoned opinion on the review of the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for ethoxyquin according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005

 Primary crop metabolism of ethoxyquin was investigated following post harvest application on pears, hereby covering group of fruits and fruiting vegetables.

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reviewed the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance ethoxyquin. Although this active substance is no longer authorised within the European Union, an MRL was established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CXL). Based on the assessment of the available data, EFSA assessed the CXL, and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. The CXL was found not to be adequately supported by data and a possible risk to consumers was identified. Hence, further consideration by risk managers is needed.

For more information see:  http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3231.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=pub&utm_campaign=20130522

EU RASFF - Information

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Studies regarding the basic biology and population development of Tuta absoluta are relatively few and are mainly concentrated in South American countries where the environmental conditions are very favourable for the life-cycle of the pest. Research published recently looks at the pest’s development under certain UK glasshouse conditions.

The pest has rapidly moved across the Mediterranean area and has been detected in France, Italy and the United Kingdom (UK). In 2009 there were 11 outbreaks of Tuta absoluta in the UK followed by 15 in 2010, 8 in 2011 and 7 in 2012.

Tuta absoluta is well able to develop under temperatures that would commonly be experienced in UK glasshouses. The current work has determined that between 19 and 23 °C is the most favourable temperature for moth development. Temperatures of 10 °C and below proved fatal for moth development. It cannot be confirmed that a population would die out if glasshouse temperatures were lowered to this temperature. However, this could form the basis of a control programme for sterilising the glasshouse following an outbreak of moths.

For more information see: http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/4/2/185

Last year monitoring by both food trade bodies and regulatory authorities in mainland Europe identified unexpected residues of both DDAC and BAC above the statutory MRLs set. It is believed that the primary source of these residues is disinfectant use – mostly through treatment of equipment surfaces, as well as disinfection of water used for food washing and irrigation.

Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) and benzalkonium chloride (BAC) are quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) used for disinfectant, biocide and plant protection purposes. Due to their classification as plant protection active substances, statutory maximum residue levels (MRLs) apply to food and feed products under the terms of EC Regulation 396/2005. In the case of both DDAC and BAC all foods and feeds covered by Regulation 396/2005 are subject to a statutory MRL of 0.01 mg/kg.

The current legal MRL is set at 0.01 ppm, however, the Member States agreed last year on guidelines and a temporary MRL of 0.5 ppm. 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has postponed the release of its evaluation report on MRLs for DDAC and BAC, which was expected later this month.

A general discussion on the published evaluation report will take place during the EU Standing Committee on 13-14 June.  Based on this discussion a vote will either take place at the following meeting in September or in November. Depending on the level agreed, transitional measures will be discussed at the same time.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking offences in Wisbech following early morning raids on two homes by officers from the Gangmasters Licensing Authority and Cambridgeshire Police.

Warrants were executed as the latest action taken as part of Operation Pheasant – a multi-agency task force set up to tackle on-going worker issues in the Cambridgeshire town. All three individuals were released on conditional bail until 12 July. Items were also seized from the two residential addresses that were entered under warrant at about 5am.                              

GLA Chief Executive Paul Broadbent said: “The aim of the GLA is to work in partnership to protect vulnerable and exploited workers and Op Pheasant is an excellent example of how this approach can be effective. We will continue to join forces with all other relevant organisations to tackle those involved in criminal or unlicensed activity in the sectors we regulate. By doing this we can help provide a level playing field on which all lawful operators we licence can flourish.”

Inspector Robin Sissons said: “Operation Pheasant is focusing on serious issues in Wisbech and as a result of our joint working we have discovered crimes that were previously hidden.

Our investigations are now focusing on preventing further people being exploited and victimised. Working together like this allows us to have a greater impact. I am pleased with how the investigation is going thus far but there is still a lot more work to be done.”

The operation includes different agencies including: HMRC, the Home Office, Trading Standards, Fenland District Council, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue and the Serious Organised Crime Agency, as well as the local police, the GLA and others.

The Health and Plant Biosecurity Expert Taskforce has published its recommendations on how best to address the threats posed by plant pests and pathogens to trees and other plants. The Task Force was established in response to the rise in plant pests and diseases that threaten the UK, in particular ash dieback (Chalaria fraxinea).

The report states: ‘The remit for the Taskforce was expressly directed at trees and related woody species but it is clear that plant biosecurity encompasses pests and diseases of other plants. These include agricultural and horticultural food crops, biomass crops, indigenous vegetation and ornamentals. The withdrawal of widely used fungicides and pesticides and the failure of others due to selection for resistance amongst pests and pathogens are increasing the risks of crop loss. The effectiveness of some forms of genetic resistance is also under threat. These are exemplified by the risks of significant crop losses from the rapid, continental-scale spread of new virulent strains of wheat stem rust and yellow rust that are capable of infecting previously resistant crop varieties. Many of the actions that underpin our recommendations for tree health could be readily extended to include a wide range of plant species.’

The Task Force recognises the importance of taking a risk based approach to plant health, something which FPC has pressed for to ensure that the risk from fresh produce is kept in perspective.

The Taskforce recommends that the Government should:

• develop a UK Plant Health Risk Register;
• appoint a Chief Plant Health Officer to look after the Plant Health Risk Register;
• develop and implement procedures to predict, monitor, and control the spread of pests and diseases;
• review, simplify, and strengthen governance and legislation;
• improve the use of intelligence from EU/other regions and work to improve the EU regulations concerned with tree health and plant biosecurity;
• strengthen biosecurity to reduce risks at the border and within the UK;
• develop a modern, user-friendly system to provide quick and intelligent access to data about tree health and plant biosecurity;
• address key skills shortages.

For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/200393/pb13878-tree-health-taskforce-final-report.pdf

At a recent Commission meeting the following changes were agreed for Regulation (EC) No 669/2009. The draft will be presented for discussion and opinion at the meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) of 14 June 2013. If agreed, it would take effect from 1 July 2013.

New listing of the following commodity:

• Nigeria – Dried beans – Pesticide residues – Proposed control frequency 50%

De-listing of the following commodities:

• South Africa – Groundnuts (feed and food) – Aflatoxins – current control frequency 10% – listed since April 2011

• Egypt – Pomegranates (food – fresh fruits) – Pesticide residues – current control frequency 10% – listed since October 2010

Increasing of the control frequency for the currently listed commodity:

• China – Brassica oleracea (other edible Brassica, ‘Chinese Broccoli’) (food – fresh or chilled) – Pesticide residues – current control frequency 10% – listed since October 2012: increasing of the control frequency from 10% to 20%

Decreasing of the control frequency for the currently listed commodities:

Thailand – Brassica vegetables (food – fresh, chilled or frozen vegetables) Pesticide residues – Current control frequency 20% – Listed since January 2010: decreasing of the control frequency from 20% to 10%.

The Plant Health Directive includes requirements on the movement of material within the EU, and on imported material, to prevent the spread of this disease. Additional measures may also be introduced in response to particular risks. Under Directive 93/85 the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI) carry out annual monitoring of potatoes for the organism (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus) which causes the disease. Restrictions are imposed in the event of positive findings and a contingency plan is in place outlining the measures to be taken.

Special requirements have been in place since 2004 for all potatoes being despatched from Poland to other Member States to be officially tested and pre-notified by the Polish Plant Health Service. There is a statutory requirement for such potatoes to be pre-notified to Fera at least two days before import and to be accompanied by the Polish certificate. Pre-notification arrangements are also in place for ware potatoes from Romania, Spain and Portugal (the latter two because of the presence of Epitrix in those countries). Further details are available in the attached letter, which also covers requirements for potatoes imported from other sources.

Those bringing seed potatoes into England and Wales from other EU Member States must notify such introductions in advance. The information provided facilitates monitoring by the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate and allows tracing in the event of problems. In the event of non-compliance, statutory action is taken reflecting the level of risk resulting from the infringement. Details of the notification system are available here.

In April Fera reported on the investigation and containment of a suspected ring rot outbreak. Fera commented: ‘It remains the case that timely action has limited the number of farms affected and given good prospects for containing and ultimately eradicating this outbreak.  This incident reinforces the importance of  importers of potatoes from other EU member states complying with statutory notification requirements, to allow pre-planting checks where appropriate and to facilitate timely follow up in the event of problems.’