Maximum residue levels for bifenazate
Published by AGRINFO on ; Revised
EU reduces MRLs for bifenazate to limit of determination on all products, with impacts on certain fruits, nuts, vegetables, oilseeds, and animal products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/891 of 22 March 2024 amending Annexes II and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for bifenazate in or on certain products
Update
The European Commission has reduced the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for bifenazate to the limit of determination (LOD, the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods) on all products. This will have potential impacts on suppliers of certain fruits, nuts, vegetables, oilseeds, and animal products for which MRLs currently exist. Existing LODs (with the exception of LODs for animal products) will also be reduced.
Impacted Products
grapefruits, oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, chestnuts, coconuts, hazelnuts, cobnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nut kernels, pistachios, walnuts, apples, pears, quinces, medlars, loquats, Japanese medlars, apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, grapes, blueberries, cranberries, currants, gooseberries, azaroles, Mediterranean medlars, strawberries, blackberries, dewberries, raspberries, elderberries, tomatoes, aubergines, eggplants, sweet peppers, bell peppers, cucumbers, gherkins, courgettes, melons, pumpkins, watermelons, basil, edible flowers, beans, peas, cotton seeds, animal products
What is changing?
The Commission has amended the MRLs for bifenazate as set out in Table 1.
Regarding products not listed in Table 1:
- for fruit and vegetables except herbs and edible flowers (not including basil) – LODs are reduced to 0.02 mg/kg
- for pulses, oilseeds, oil fruits, and cereals – LODs are reduced to 0.01 mg/kg
- for teas, coffee, infusions, cocoa, and spices – LODs are reduced to 0.05 mg/kg.
Why?
In May 2022, the EU limited the use of bifenazate to non-edible crops kept in permanent greenhouses because EFSA’s (2021) review of bifenazate concluded that there was insufficient data to exclude consumer safety concerns regarding use on edible crops. The Commission has therefore lowered the MRLs for this substance to the LOD in all edible crops.
Timeline
The new MRLs will apply from 14 October 2024.
Recommended Actions
Exporters of affected fruits, nuts, vegetables, oilseeds, and animal products should review current use of bifenazate and evaluate possible alternative solutions in anticipation of MRL changes.
Background
MRLs are set in accordance with the rules set out in Regulation 396/2005. For information on current MRLs for other substances, please consult the EU Pesticide Residues database.
Resources
EFSA (2021) Updated peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance bifenazate. EFSA Journal, 19(8): 6818.
Sources
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/891
Tables & Figures
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/891
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