Modification of the existing maximum residue level for fluopicolide in valerian

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the evaluating Member State (EMS), the Netherlands, received an application from Bayer Environmental S.A. for the active substance fluopicolide in valerian. In order to accommodate the residues occurring in valerian roots grown in rotation with potato crops treated with fluopicolide, the Netherlands proposed to raise the existing MRL for valerian, from the limit of quantification to 5 mg/kg. The Netherlands 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.

From the use on potatoes where valerian is then planted as a following crop, adequate information was provided to propose raising the MRL in valerian to 7 mg/kg. Adequate analytical enforcement methods are available to control the residues of fluopicolide in valerian roots. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the practice of growing valerian following potato crops treated with fluopicolide will not result in consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a consumer health risk.