Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for pyraclostrobin in cucumbers and Jerusalem artichokes

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Belgium, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), compiled an application to modify the existing MRLs for the active substance pyraclostrobin in cucumbers and Jerusalem artichokes. In order to accommodate for the intended uses of pyraclostrobin, Belgium proposed to raise the existing MRL for cucumbers to 0.5 mg/kg; for Jerusalem artichokes the EMS proposed to raise the existing MRL, which is set at the limit of quantification (0.02 mg/kg), to 0.1 mg/kg. Belgium 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 submitted data fully support the MRL proposals of 0.5 mg/kg on cucumbers. The MRL proposal of 0.09 mg/kg on Jerusalem artichokes is derived by extrapolation from overdosed trials on carrots, given that this crop is classified as very minor. Alternatively, EFSA derived a tentative MRL of 0.06 mg/kg by applying the proportionality approach. Adequate enforcement analytical methods are available to control the residues of pyraclostrobin in the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the proposed uses of pyraclostrobin on cucumbers and Jerusalem artichokes in Belgium will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore are unlikely to pose a consumer health risk.