Reasoned Opinion on the modification of the existing maximum residue levels for esfenvalerate in peppers, broccoli and lettuce

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Italy, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), received an application from Agchem Project Consulting on behalf of Esfenvalerate Task Force to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance esfenvalerate in peppers, broccoli and lettuce according to the intended uses. In order to accommodate for the intended uses of esfenvalerate, the EMS proposed to raise the existing MRLs from the limit of quantification (LOQ) 0.02 mg/kg to 0.05 mg/kg for peppers and broccoli and 0.06 mg/kg for lettuce. The EMS drafted an evaluation report in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, which was submitted to the European Commission and forwarded to EFSA. According to EFSA the data investigating the magnitude of esfenvalerate residues are sufficient to derive MRL proposals of 0.05 mg/kg for the use on peppers, 0.05 mg/kg for the use on broccoli and 0.2 mg/kg for the use on lettuce. Adequate analytical enforcement methods are available to control the residues of esfenvalerate in these commodities. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the intended uses of esfenvalerate on peppers, broccoli and lettuce will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a consumer health risk. (C) European Food Safety Authority, 2014