Reasoned opinion on the setting of temporary maximum residue levels for chlorpropham in potatoes

EFSA received from the European Commission a mandate to deliver a reasoned opinion according to Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 on the safety of a proposed temporary maximum residue level (tMRL) for chlorpropham in potatoes to consumers. Sprout inhibitors based on the active substance chlorpropham have been widely used in commercial storage facilities in Europe over multiple seasons. Following the non-renewal of approval of chlorpropham, representatives of potato trade organisations and manufacturers of chlorpropham reported an issue of cross-contamination above the limit of quantification (LOQ) of untreated potatoes stored in facilities with a history of applications of chlorpropham as a post-harvest treatment. The evaluating Member State (EMS) the Netherlands, in accordance with Articles 6(2) and 16 (1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, submitted an application for the setting of a tMRL for chlorpropham in potatoes in order to address the cross-contamination in commercial storages. The EMS proposed to set a tMRL for the active substance at a level ranging between 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg. Based on the assessment of the available data and information with different methodologies, optional tMRL proposals of 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mg/kg were derived, and an indicative consumer risk assessment was carried out. The tMRL proposals require further consideration by risk managers, mainly with regard to identified uncertainties, and measures for further reduction of occurrence of chlorpropham residues will also need to be considered. With this prospect, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues of chlorpropham and 3-chloroaniline resulting from cross-contamination in potatoes is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.