Maximum residue level for toltrazuril in eggs
Published by AGRINFO on
EU introduces MRL for toltrazuril in eggs
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/454 of 2 March 2023 amending Regulation (EU) No 37/2010 as regards the classification of the substance toltrazuril with respect to its maximum residue limit in foodstuffs of animal origin
Update
The EU has introduced a maximum residue level (MRL) for toltrazuril in poultry eggs.
Impacted Products
eggs
What is changing?
Toltrazuril is a pharmacologically active substance that can be used as an antiparasitic agent for food-producing mammals and poultry. Regulation 37/2010 sets an MRL for muscle, fat, liver and kidney.
This new Regulation sets the MRL for poultry eggs at 140 μg/kg (micrograms per kilogram).
Why?
Based on a request from The Netherlands, the European Medicines Agency recommended the establishment of an MRL for toltrazuril in all poultry eggs.
Timeline
Date of application: 23 March 2023.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
Suppliers of eggs to the EU can use toltrazuril as a possible treatment of coccidiosis in poultry provided the MRL is respected.
Exporting countries must have a control plan and be listed as authorised for export in order to supply eggs to the EU market.
Background
The Official Controls Regulation (EU 2017/625) foresees that competent authorities have to perform official controls, at any stage of production, processing and distribution, on residues of relevant substances in food and feed (including substances to be used in food contact materials, contaminants, non-authorised, prohibited and undesirable substances).
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2292 supplements the Official Controls Regulation regarding specific public health requirements for food-producing animals and animal products exported to the EU.
Regulations 2022/1644 and 2022/1646 lay down the rules for official controls of residues of pharmacologically active substances in food-producing animals and animal products.
The MRLs in Regulations 2023/454 and 37/2010 are set in accordance with the rules set out in Regulation 470/2009.
Resources
Online resources from the European Commission:
European Commission (2023) Guidelines on EU requirements for imports of products of animal origin: Control plans for residues of veterinary medicines, pesticides and contaminants.
Sources