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Review of the existing maximum residue levels for tetraconazole according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005

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Abstract

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance tetraconazole. To assess the occurrence of tetraconazole residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Directive 91/414/EEC, as well as the import tolerances and European authorisations reported by Member States and the UK (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Although no apparent risk to consumers was identified, some information required by the regulatory framework was missing. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only and, with the exception of the MRL proposal for kaki, all MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers. Regarding triazole derivative metabolites (TDMs), separate indicative exposure assessments were performed and no risk to consumers was identified for what regards these metabolites individually. However, TDMs may be generated by several pesticides belonging to the group of triazole fungicides, and a comprehensive risk assessment has thus to be performed that covers all existing European uses for all pesticides belonging to the class of triazole fungicides. EFSA recommended to elaborate together with risk managers a strategy to ensure that the required data are made available to finalise the overall risk assessment for triazole fungicides.