Maximum residue levels for dithianon on apples and pears
Published by AGRINFO on ; Revised
EU reduces MRLs for dithianon on apples and pears
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1314 of 15 May 2024 amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for dithianon in or on certain products
Update
The European Commission has decided to reduce the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for dithianon on apples and pears.
Impacted Products
Apples, pears
What is changing?
The EU has reduced the MRLs for dithianon on apples and pears from 3 to 1.5 mg/kg.
Why?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA 2023) identified that the acute reference dose (ARfD) of dithianon on apples and pears was exceeded with the current MRL, indicating a potential risk to consumers. Alternative good agricultural practices (GAP) were proposed which would allow a lowering of the MRLs to levels that do not pose a risk for consumers.
EFSA (2020) noted that the mutagenicity potential of the metabolite 1,4-naphthoquinone (a chemical intermediate for dithianon) remains uncertain. Therefore the acceptable daily intake (ADI) and ARfD values for 1,4-naphthoquinone are considered provisional.
Timeline
The new MRLs will apply from 5 December 2024.
Recommended Actions
Suppliers of apples and pears to the EU market should review their current GAP to ensure that they will meet the new reduced MRLs by December 2024.
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 (2023) Review of the existing maximum residue levels for dithianon according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. EFSA Journal, 21(1): 7731.
EFSA (2020) Conclusion on the updated peer review of the pesticide risk assessment for the active substance dithianon in light of confirmatory data submitted. EFSA Journal, 18(9): 6189.
Sources
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1314 as regards maximum residue levels for dithianon in or on certain products