The European Commission asked EFSA to assess the safety of existing MRLs for 15 active substances used in pesticides and, taking into account EFSA’s scientific advice, may propose to amend or remove the relevant MRL.

“EFSA is co-ordinating the review of MRLs for more than 300 active substances. We began this work in 2008 and aim to complete it by the end of 2010,” Hubert Deluyker, EFSA’s Director of Scientific Cooperation and Assistance, said. “In addition, from 2009, EFSA will also provide on an annual basis a report of actual consumer exposure to pesticides.”

EFSA’s Pesticides Unit, which is responsible for the review of MRLs for pesticides, proposes MRLs for each active substance through a comprehensive assessment of consumer exposure and potential health effects resulting from all intended uses in food and animal feed. EFSA’s approach is based on internationally recognised methodology and takes into account different food consumption patterns and products available across the EU. EFSA verifies that exposure levels are safe for all consumer groups including potential vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly and vegetarians. The actual exposure of consumers to pesticides will be evaluated in EFSA’s Annual Report on Pesticide Residues.