Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for metalaxyl in various crops

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the evaluating Member State (EMS), Spain, received an application from the company Industrias Químicas del Vallés to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance metalaxyl in oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, Brussels sprouts and the group ‘spinaches and similar leaves’. Spain proposed to maintain the MRL in strawberries at the level of 0.5 mg/kg and to raise the existing EU MRLs for the other crop commodities. According to EFSA, the submitted residue trials are sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all crops under consideration. In addition, as the residues transferred in citrus pomace used to fed livestock result in an increase in animal burdens, MRLs were proposed for animal matrices considering two possible enforcement residue definitions. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the proposed use of metalaxyl on oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, Brussels sprouts and the group ‘spinaches and similar leaves’ will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a consumer health risk.