Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for fosetyl/phosphonic acid in various crops

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants BASF SE, Landwirtschaftliches Technologiezentrum Augustenberg and Tilco Biochemie GmbH submitted a request to the competent national authorities in Greece and Germany to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fosetyl/phosphonic acid in various crops related to the use of potassium phosphonates. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for several tree nuts, pomegranates, fresh herbs and edible flowers, currants, gooseberries and blueberries. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of phosphonic acid in the plant matrices under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.1 mg/kg in high acid content matrices and at 0.01 mg/kg in high water and high oil content matrices. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the intake of residues resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. © 2020 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.