Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for cyflufenamid in pome fruits, cucurbits (inedible peel) and gherkins

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 the company Nisso Chemical Europe GmbH to modify the existing MRLs for the active substance cyflufenamid in pome fruit (quinces, medlar, loquat), cucurbits with inedible peel (pumpkins, watermelons) and gherkins. In order to accommodate for the intended uses of cyflufenamid, France proposed to raise the existing MRLs from the limit of quantification of 0.02 mg/kg to 0.05 mg/kg in pome fruit and gherkins and 0.04 mg/kg in cucurbits with inedible peel. 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 a MRL proposal of 0.06 mg/kg for the intended use on quinces, medlar and loquat in France, 0.05 mg/kg for the intended use on pumpkins and watermelons in France and 0.08 mg/kg for the intended use on gherkins in France. Alternatively, the existing MRLs of 0.05 mg/kg on apples and pears and 0.04 mg/kg on melons, which were derived from the same residue data using the previous valid statistically-based calculation method, could be extrapolated to the whole group of pome fruit and cucurbits with inedible peel, respectively. Adequate analytical enforcement methods are available to control the residues of cyflufenamid in the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the proposed use of cyflufenamid on quinces, medlar, loquat, pumpkins, watermelons and gherkins will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a public health concern.