Modification of the existing maximum residue level for acequinocyl in gherkins

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the evaluating Member State (EMS), Germany, received an application from Agro-Kanesho to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance acequinocyl in gherkins. To accommodate for the intended use of acequinocyl, Germany proposed to raise the existing MRL from the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01–0.04 mg/kg. Germany 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 0.04 mg/kg for the proposed use on gherkins. Adequate analytical enforcement methods are available to control the residues of acequinocyl on gherkins. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the proposed use of acequinocyl on gherkins will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a consumer health risk.