Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for prothioconazole in rape seed, linseed, poppy seed and mustard seed

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, France, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), received an application from Bayer CropScience to modify the existing MRLs for the active substance prothioconazole in rape seed, linseed, poppy seed and mustard seed. In order to accommodate the intended uses of prothioconazole, France proposed to raise the existing MRLs from the value of 0.1 mg/kg for rape seed and 0.05 mg/kg for the other three oilseeds to 0.15 mg/kg for these four oilseeds. France 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 data are sufficient to derive MRL proposals of 0.15 mg/kg for the proposed uses on oilseed rape, linseed, poppy and mustard. However a data gap is identified for the stability of residues included in the plant risk assessment residue definition (other than prothioconazole-desthio) in plant samples, stored frozen, to be demonstrated. Adequate analytical enforcement methods are available to control the residues of prothioconazole in plant matrices at the validated LOQ of 0.02 mg/kg for prothioconazole-desthio as sum of isomers. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the proposed use of prothioconazole on oilseed rape, linseed, poppy and mustard will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a consumer health risk.