Reasoned opinion on the review of the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for chlorothalonil according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reviewed the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance chlorothalonil. In order to assess the occurrence of chlorothalonil residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Directive 91/414/EEC, the MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission as well as the import tolerances and European authorisations reported by Member States (incl. the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals for parent chlorothalonil in plant commodities and for 2,5,6-trichloro-4-hydroxyphtalonitrile (SDS-3701) in animal commodities were derived, and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Some information required by the regulatory framework was found to be missing (in particular with regard to metabolite SDS-3701) and a possible acute risk to consumers was identified for parent chlorothalonil. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only, all MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers and measures for reduction of the consumer exposure should also be considered.