Setting of import tolerances for dimethomorph in grapes

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Chemistry
• Food Safety
• Regulatory Science

Background:

• Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 governs pesticide residue limits in food.
• Dimethomorph is an active substance for which an import tolerance was requested for table and wine grapes.
• Existing EU Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for grapes were reviewed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety of an import tolerance for dimethomorph in table and wine grapes.
• To assess consumer exposure to dimethomorph residues.
• To determine if existing MRLs need modification.

Main Methods:

• Dietary consumer risk assessment was performed by EFSA.
• Analysis considered Codex MRLs and import tolerances in EU legislation.
• Validated analytical methods with a Limit of Quantification (LOQ) of 0.005 mg/kg were available.

Main Results:

• Data indicated no need to modify existing EU MRLs for table and wine grapes.
• Analytical methods can quantify dimethomorph isomers individually at the LOQ.
• Consumer exposure was found to not exceed toxicological reference values under specific conditions.

Conclusions:

• The import tolerance for dimethomorph on grapes is unlikely to pose a risk to consumers.
• Recommendations include withdrawal of EU uses and lowering MRLs to the LOQ.
• Implementation of targeted MRL review conclusions is necessary.