Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for fludioxonil in celery, celery leaves and radishes

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, France, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS-FR), compiled an application to modify the existing MRLs for the active substance fludioxonil in celery (stem) and celery leaves. In order to accommodate the intended use of fludioxonil, France proposed to raise the existing MRLs from 0.05* and 1.0 mg/kg at the time of the application, to 1.5 and 3 mg/kg respectively. In addition, The Netherlands herewith referred to as the evaluating Member State, The Netherlands (EMS-NL), received an application from LTO Groeiservice to modify the existing MRL in radishes. In order to accommodate the intended use of fludioxonil in the Netherlands, EMS-NL proposed to raise the existing MRL from the limit of quantification of 0.05 mg/kg to 0.08 mg/kg. France and The Netherlands drafted evaluation reports in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, which were submitted to the European Commission and forwarded to EFSA. According to EFSA the data are sufficient to derive a MRL proposal of 1.5 mg/kg on celery (stem). In contrast, the intended GAP on celery does not necessitate a change to the recently amended EU MRL of 15 mg/kg set for celery leaves. No proposal is made for radishes as the submitted residue trials were not conducted in compliance with the intended GAP. Adequate analytical enforcement methods are available to control the residues of fludioxonil in the commodities under consideration at the validated LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the proposed use of fludioxonil on celery will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference value and therefore, is unlikely to pose a consumer health risk.