Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for dithiocarbamates (expressed as carbon disulfide) in bulb vegetables, cucurbits and asparagus

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Italy, herewith referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), received an application from the company BASF Italia Srl. to modify the existing MRLs for dithiocarbamate in cucurbits (edible and inedible peel), onions, shallots, garlic and asparagus, resulting from the use of metiram. In order to accommodate the intended uses, the EMS Italy proposed to raise the existing MRL in garlic from 0.5 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg; for the other crops they considered there was no need to modify the existing EU MRLs. Italy drafted an evaluation report according to Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, which was submitted to the European Commission and forwarded to EFSA. According to EFSA the data were sufficient to derive MRL proposals of 0.6 mg/kg in garlic and 1.5 mg/kg in cucurbits (with inedible peel). For the uses on other crops a need to modify the existing EU MRLs was not identified. Adequate analytical enforcement methods are available to check the compliance of metiram residues (expressed as carbon disulfide) and the relevant metabolite ethylenethiourea (ETU) in the crops under consideration. EFSA concludes that, the intended use of metiram on garlic and cucurbits (with edible peel) will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a public health concern. The exposure situation for the other crops under consideration is not affected by the new uses requested.