Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for dazomet in several vegetables

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Belgium, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), received an application from Kanesho Soil Treatment SPRL/BVBA to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance dazomet in fruits and several vegetables. In order to accommodate for the pre-planting uses of dazomet, Belgium proposed a modification of the MRLs, as methyl isothiocyanate (MITC). Belgium 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 MRL proposals of 0.02 mg/kg on carrots, 0.05 mg/kg on radishes, 0.1 mg/kg on the group ‘fruiting vegetables’, except sweet corn, 0.03 mg/kg on the groups ‘leafy brassica’ and ‘lettuces and other salad plants’ and 0.15 mg/kg on the group ‘spinaches and similar leaves’. The proposed MRLs apply to the active substance metam as well. In contrast, EFSA does not recommend the lowering of the current MRL value from the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.02 mg/kg to the LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg in fruits, pending the Article 12 review. Adequate analytical methods are available to control residues of MITC for the proposed MRLs. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the proposed uses of dazomet on the vegetables under consideration will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values for MITC and therefore are unlikely to pose a consumer health risk.