Assessment of the risk to human health through the pesticide active substance dimethoate and its metabolites in food

Following a request by France relating to emergency measures with regard to the use of dimethoate on vegetables and orchards/fruits and the placing on the market of cherries from Member States or third countries where the use of such plant protection products is authorised, the European Commission asked EFSA in accordance with Article 69 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and Article 53 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 to perform a preliminary acute and chronic risk assessment for dimethoate. Based on the supporting information provided by France and other relevant sources, EFSA concluded that the data are not sufficient to clearly exclude a consumer health risk. A comprehensive review of the existing EU MRLs would be appropriate to derive a final opinion on possible risks for consumers resulting from residues of dimethoate and its metabolites in food. EFSA has established  a list of data/information that would be required to address the identified gaps.