Setting of import tolerances for azoxystrobin in melons and watermelons

EFSA J. 2024 Dec 17;22(12):e9130. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.9130. eCollection 2024 Dec.

Abstract

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Syngenta Crop Protection AG submitted a request to the competent national authority in Austria to set an import tolerance for the active substance azoxystrobin in melons and watermelons. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for melons and watermelons. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of azoxystrobin on the commodities under consideration at the validated LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, noting that an acute risk assessment was not deemed necessary for azoxystrobin, EFSA concluded that the long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of azoxystrobin according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. It is to be noted that the chronic consumer exposure estimated for residues in animal commodities is indicative due to data gaps related to the toxicity of livestock metabolites L1, L4, L9 and K1.

Keywords: MRL; azoxystrobin; consumer risk assessment; melons; pesticide; watermelons.