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Background: Women, compared to men, have been more involved in caregiving activities than men. For this reason, the purpose of this article is to assess the transformations in care work during the coronavirus pandemic based on a review of the scientific literature. Methods: This objective is developed by systematizing the findings of 64 research studies that, from the social sciences and women's studies, address care work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Housework is assigned to women by its very nature, irrespective of the country to which they belong. Conclusions: The research concludes that inequity in the distribution of care work during the crisis is greater for women than for men because of gender, race and class power relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spermatogenesis is a complex process characterized by the activation and/or repression of a number of genes in a spatio-temporal manner. Pubertal development in males starts with the onset of the first spermatogenesis and implies the division of primary spermatogonia and their subsequent entry into meiosis. This study is aimed at the characterization of genes involved in the onset of puberty in European sea bass, and constitutes the first transcriptomic approach focused on meiosis in this species. Results: European sea bass testes collected at the onset of puberty (first successful reproduction) were grouped in stage I (resting stage), and stage II (proliferative stage). Transition from stage I to stage II was marked by an increase of 11ketotestosterone (11KT), the main fish androgen, whereas the transcriptomic study resulted in 315 genes differentially expressed between the two stages. The onset of puberty induced 1) an up-regulation of genes involved in cell proliferation, cell cycle and meiosis progression, 2) changes in genes related with reproduction and growth, and 3) a down-regulation of genes included in the retinoic acid (RA) signalling pathway. The analysis of GO-terms and biological pathways showed that cell cycle, cell division, cellular metabolic processes, and reproduction were affected, consistent with the early events that occur during the onset of puberty. Furthermore, changes in the expression of three RA nuclear receptors point at the importance of the RA-signalling pathway during this period, in agreement with its role in meiosis. Conclusion: The results contribute to boost our knowledge of the early molecular and endocrine events that trigger pubertal development and the onset of spermatogenesis in fish. These include an increase in 11KT plasma levels and changes in the expression of several genes involved in cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, meiosis or RA-signalling pathway. Moreover, the results can be applied to study meiosis in this economically important fish species for Mediterranean countries, and may help to develop tools for its sustainable aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article essays two pathways to analyze theoretical and political productivity of the last book of the Greek-French philosopher Nikos Poulantzas. In the first one, reflecting on his proposal about the articulation between socialism and democracy. In this frame, we emphasize the uniqueness of the author but historically located in what is called Eurocommunism. The second route analyzes the influence of Foucault in Poulantzas' relational perspective and his approach to power. This time his concerns fall under 68' event as a moment of visibilization of other subjects, spaces and social resistances. About this influence it is also stressed the irreducible --in my opinion-- distance between the two authors, linked to the weighting that each one grants to the class struggle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite countless statements from international agencies, pain management during labor and delivery is insufficient due to the hurdles imposed by the health system, and also to the misconceptions regarding epidural analgesia among patients, but worse still, among nurses, obstetricians and anesthesiologists. This article mentions the point of view of outstanding international institutions on the subject, the problems that may be attributed to the health system, and the limitations imposed by specialists, emphasizing in particular the views prevailing among obstetricians and gynecologists that explain why a large proportion of women in child birth experience pain unnecessarily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at accelerating the implementation of cumulative risk assessment to pesticide residues, this report describes a two‐step prioritisation analysis, on individual pesticides and on target organ systems, that allows to identify (i) low‐priority substances expected to have a marginal contribution to cumulative risk, and (ii) high priority organ systems to be addressed in future cumulative risk assessments. The analysis encompassed 350 substances and 36 raw primary commodities of plant origin surveyed in the monitoring cycle 2019–2021, carried out in 30 population groups, covering 3 age classes, and 17 EU countries. Probabilistic exposure calculations, for chronic and acute effects, were executed on the occurrence and consumption data by a two‐dimensional procedure, modelling variability and uncertainty. In the first step, the prioritisation method adopted allowed to reduce the number of substances by about 80%. These substances were in turn grouped based on their capacity to cause toxicological effects on common organ systems and, as second step, probabilistic combined exposure calculations were carried out for 16 target organ systems. This step allowed to identify the organ systems that need further assessment, reducing their initial number by about 70%. The organ systems would need to be prioritised as follows: reproductive and developmental toxicity, liver, kidney, male reproductive system, and haematopoietic system and haematology. The sources of uncertainty stemming from the modelling procedure and from methodological assumptions were discussed and their impact qualitatively assessed. Overall, it was concluded that the risk estimates for the different organ systems were more likely to be overestimated than underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which is concerned with the benefits of using interactive virtual seminars in medical education.

This study investigated respondent preferences on how best to display patient medication information (PMI) that accompanies prescription medications to promote comprehension and appropriate usage. The authors identified 30 individuals diagnosed with select immune disorders, 30 with other chronic diseases, and 30 from the general public and had them review one of two PMI handouts that varied by format, organization, and content. The authors explored preferences for the PMI handout using one-on-one interviews. The authors analyzed the qualitative data to identify relevant themes and patterns using NVivo9 qualitative software. The majority of respondents noted that the formats of the two PMI handouts were more informative than those they currently receive from the pharmacist, with a preference for the 2-column, segmented design. However, respondent PMI preferences varied by age, education, and health status. Patients need simpler and more concise drug information to make better decisions about their health. Current PMI handouts are dense and complex, which can be confusing and not reader friendly. To improve PMI understandability and usefulness, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working with stakeholders, consumer advocates, and academics. Findings from this study may help inform future development of more user-friendly PMI. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Alluvial fans are typical geomorphic features of arid and semiarid mountain areas. Most archaeological sites in Santa María valley (NW Argentina) are located on this kind of landform. The aims of this paper are to describe the geomorphological context and assess the state of conservation of four archaeological sites on the piedmont of Sierra de Quilmes (NW Argentina) from a geoarchaeological perspective; to diagnose the geomorphological processes affecting the sites over the last 50 years; to assess their vulnerability and conservation hazard; and to propose some corrective measures. By mapping with remote sensors (e.g., drones, aerial photographs, and satellite images) and conducting field surveys, we found that most archaeological sites are set on the H1 and H2 units of the alluvial fans. and that their geomorphological dynamic has increased in the last 50 years. The main active processes are debris flows, overflows, and mudflows, accompanied by the development of rills, sheetflood, and aeolian deflation. Human impact is also severe. The four sites need mitigation measures and a structured management plan. To date, no studies of this kind have been done rin the region, although one of the sites has been partially reconstructed for touristic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether breastfeeding influence the cerebral blood-flow velocity. Materials and Methods: The present study included 256 healthy term neonates, all of them with appropriate weight for gestational age, 50.8% being female. Pulsatility index, resistance index and mean velocity were measured during breastfeeding or resting in the anterior cerebral artery, in the left middle cerebral artery, and in the right middle cerebral artery of the neonates between their first 10 and 48 hours of life. The data were analyzed by means of a paired t-test, Brieger's f-test for analysis of variance and linear regression, with p < 0.01 being accepted as statistically significant. Results: Mean resistance index decreased as the mean velocity increased significantly during breastfeeding. Pulsatility index values decreased as much as the resistance index, but in the right middle cerebral artery it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Breastfeeding influences the cerebral blood flow velocities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance tembotrione. To assess the occurrence of tembotrione residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EU) No 188/2011 as well as the import tolerances and European authorisations reported by Member States (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Although no apparent risk to consumers was identified, some information required by the regulatory framework was missing. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only and some MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Bayer CropScience AG submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance clothianidin to accommodate the use on potatoes imported from Canada. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive a MRL proposal. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control clothianidin residues on the commodity under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of clothianidin according to the notified agricultural practice in Canada is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Council submitted a request to the competent national authority in the United Kingdom to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) for the active substance flonicamid in beetroots, carrots, celeriacs/turnip rooted celeries, horseradishes, Jerusalem artichokes, parsnips, parsley roots/Hamburg roots parsley, radishes, salsifies, swedes/rutabagas, turnips. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the commodities concerned. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of flonicamid in the crops under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg for each analyte of the residue definition and in animal matrices at the validated LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg for each analyte of the residue definition. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of flonicamid according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant LTZ Augustenberg submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance potassium phosphonates in raspberries, blackberries, currants, blueberries, gooseberries and elderberries. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all crops under consideration. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of potassium phosphonates in plant matrices under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the proposed uses of potassium phosphonates on raspberries, blackberries, currants, blueberries, gooseberries and elderberries will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore are unlikely to present a risk to consumers’ health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Dienstleistungszentrum Ländlicher Raum submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance flonicamid in radishes. Furthermore, in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant ISK Biosciences Europe N.V. submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing MRLs for the active substance flonicamid in strawberries, cane fruits, other small fruits and berries, lettuces and other salad plants, and pulses (dry beans, lentils, peas, lupins). The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, other small fruits and berries, radishes, lettuces and other salad plants, and pulses (dry beans, lentils, peas and lupins). Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of flonicamid on in the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of flonicamid according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance fluquinconazole. Considering the information provided by Member States, neither EU uses nor import tolerances are currently authorised for fluquinconazole within the European Union. Furthermore, no MRLs are established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (codex maximum residue limits) for this active substance. Therefore, residues of fluquinconazole are not expected to occur in any plant or animal commodity. Nevertheless, available data allowed EFSA to propose a marker residue and limit of quantifications (LOQs) for enforcement against potential illegal uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Gowan Crop Protection Ltd submitted a request to the competent national authority in Greece to set an import tolerance for the active substance fenazaquin in almonds. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive a maximum residue level (MRL) proposal for almonds. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of fenazaquin and its metabolites on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use fenazaquin according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to European consumers. The chronic consumer risk assessment is affected by non-standard uncertainties due to the lack of information on the occurrence of the metabolite 2-(4-tert-butylphenyl) ethanol (TBPE) in crops where the use of fenazaquin is the authorised in Europe. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance 2,5‐dichlorobenzoic acid methylester. To assess the occurrence of 2,5‐dichlorobenzoic acid methylester residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Directive 91/414/EEC as well as the European authorisations reported by Member States. No risk to consumers is expected from the authorised uses. However, due to the lack of data, it was not possible to identify a relevant marker compound and to derive MRLs. Hence, if risk managers would have interest to enforce potential misuses, further data may need to be generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the Imazalil Task Force submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to change the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance imazalil in products of plant and animal origin. The evaluating Member State (EMS) proposed to modify the existing MRLs only in citrus fruits and bananas and, due to transfer of residues, in bovine and equine livers. EFSA assessed the intended uses in citrus fruits, but not the use in bananas, since compared with the previously performed MRL review no new information was provided in the context of the MRL application. For the intended uses in citrus fruits and for animal products, EFSA did not derive MRL proposals. A decision on the amendment of MRL for the intended uses needs to be postponed, until the risk assessment for the plant metabolite R014821 and for the metabolites identified in livestock (i.e. FK‐772 and FK‐284) is completed with regard to genotoxicity and general toxicity; data need to be provided to derive a conclusion whether the toxicological reference values derived for imazalil are also applicable for the metabolites. Upon conclusion on the toxicological properties of the metabolites, a decision on the residue definition for risk assessment cannot be derived which is a prerequisite to perform a reliable dietary risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant LSA (Landesanstalt Sachsen‐Anhalt) submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance clomazone in chamomiles and plantains. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the crops under consideration. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of clomazone in plant matrices on the crops under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of clomazone according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. Restrictions on crop rotation as an appropriate risk mitigation measure should be taken into consideration at national level in order to avoid the occurrence of clomazone residues in rotational crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Nature's Crops International submitted a request to the competent national authority in the United Kingdom to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance thiacloprid in corn gromwell seeds. Furthermore, the competent national authority in Belgium compiled an application to modify the existing MRL for the active substance thiacloprid in radish. The renewal process for thiacloprid is currently ongoing; in 2015, the Committee for Risk Assessment concluded that the classification as Cat. 1B for adverse effects on development according to CLP criteria is warranted (H360FD). Considering that there is strong evidence that this active substance meets the cut‐off criteria for non‐approval defined in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, further risk management considerations have to be taken into account before a decision on the amendment of the existing MRLs is taken. The data submitted were compliant with the currently applicable legal requirement to derive MRL proposals for corn gromwell seeds and radish. The estimated exposure resulting from the residues of thiacloprid in corn gromwell seeds and radishes is not expected to exceed the toxicological reference values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant DuPont de Nemours (Deutschland) GmbH submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to set an import tolerance for the active substance chlorantraniliprole in hops. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an maximum residue level (MRL) proposal for hops in support of the authorised use in the USA. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of chlorantraniliprole in hops at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the long‐term intake of residues resulting from the existing uses and the authorised use of chlorantraniliprole according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Belchim Crop Protection NV/SA submitted a request to the competent national authority in Hungary to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance valifenalate in various crops. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for lettuces, tomatoes, aubergines, onions, shallots and garlic. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of valifenalate on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of valifenalate according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The short‐term intake was not carried out since no acute reference dose (ARfD) is established for valifenalate. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: According to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed, Member States have to monitor pesticide residue levels in food samples and submit the monitoring results to EFSA and the European Commission. The Standard Sample Description (SSD, version 1) is the data model used for reporting the data on analytical measurements of chemical substances occurring in food, feed and water to EFSA. This document is a consolidated version of the past 3 years’ guidance defining the appropriate SSD codes to describe the samples and the analytical results and it gives directions for the reporting of the pesticide residues monitoring data starting with the data generated in 2017 onwards. These provisions take into account the experience of both the previous reporting seasons and the new legislation applicable in 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants ADAMA Agriculture Espana S.A., Sapec Agro SAU and LSA (Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft, Forsten und Gartenbau) submitted requests to the competent national authorities in Spain and Germany, to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance tebuconazole in olives, rice, herbs and herbal infusions (dried). The data submitted in support of the requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all the crops under consideration. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of tebuconazole on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.02 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of tebuconazole according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Syngenta France SAS submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) for the active substance acibenzolar‐S‐methyl in aubergines and cucurbits with edible and inedible peel. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all the commodities under consideration in this reasoned opinion. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of acibenzolar‐S‐methyl in plant matrices/on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intakes of residues resulting from the use of acibenzolar‐S‐methyl according to the reported agricultural practices are unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Syngenta France SAS submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance emamectin in leafy brassica and beans and peas with pods. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the crops under consideration. An adequate analytical method for enforcement is available to control the residues of emamectin in the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of emamectin benzoate according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the ‘Task Force Abamectin’, as applicant, submitted a request to the competent national authority in Spain to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance abamectin in citrus fruits. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive a MRL proposal of 0.04 mg/kg. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of abamectin in the crop under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of abamectin according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Dow AgroSciences submitted a request to the competent national authority in Finland, to set an import tolerance for quizalofop‐P‐ethyl in grain from genetically modified maize containing aad‐1 gene. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive a maximum residue level (MRL) proposal for quizalofop‐P‐ethyl maize grain. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of quizalofop‐P‐ethyl in maize grain. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the authorised use of quizalofop‐P‐ethyl on genetically modified maize containing aad‐1 gene and the subsequent import of maize grain in Europe will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference value and therefore is unlikely to pose a risk to consumers' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant ADAMA Agriculture BV submitted an application to the competent national authority in Belgium (evaluating Member State (EMS)) to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance prochloraz in sugar beet root and in liver and kidney of swine and ruminant. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for sugar beet root. Residues in sugar beet tops from the new use were found to contribute significantly to the livestock exposure. As the dietary burden needs to be calculated including all feed items and since not all information is available at the moment, EFSA proposes to assess the magnitude of prochloraz residues in animal commodities under the currently ongoing review of prochloraz MRLs according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. Adequate analytical methods are available to control the residues of prochloraz residues in plant and animal matrices. The risk assessment performed by EFSA gave an indication that residues of prochloraz may lead to an exceedance of the acceptable daily intake (ADI). Thus, before the MRL for sugar beet is amended, it is necessary that a comprehensive, refined risk assessment is performed, taking into account all existing uses of prochloraz and the intended new use on sugar beet. Considering that the MRL review for prochloraz is currently ongoing, the results of the comprehensive risk assessment will be available in due time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe S.A.S. submitted a request to the competent national authority in France, to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance fenpyrazamine in lamb's lettuces, lettuces, escaroles, dandelions, cresses, land cresses, rucola, red mustards, spinaches, purslanes and chards/beet leaves. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for lamb's lettuces/corn salads, lettuces, escaroles/broad-leaved endives (including dandelions), cresses, land cresses, roman rocket/rucola, red mustards, spinaches, purslanes and chards/beet leaves. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of fenpyrazamine in the crops assessed in this application according to the enforcement residue definition. The methods enable quantification of residues in the crops assessed at or above 0.01 mg/kg (limit of quantification (LOQ)). Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of fenpyrazamine on lamb's lettuces/corn salads, lettuces, cresses, land cresses, roman rocket/rucola, red mustards, spinaches, purslanes and chards/beet leaves according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. According to the internationally agreed methodology for short-term exposure estimation (IESTI), the acute reference dose (ARfD) was not exceeded for the intended use of fenpyrazamine on escaroles (97.6%), and thus, there is a narrow safety margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 Portugal to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance fluazifop-P in tomato. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposal for tomato. An adequate analytical method for enforcement is available to control the residues of fluazifop-P in tomato at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of fluazifop-P according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance denathonium benzoate. Considering that this active substance is not authorised for use on edible crops within the EU, that no MRLs are established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (codex maximum residue limits), and that no import tolerances were notified to EFSA, residues of denathonium benzoate are not expected to occur in any plant or animal commodity. Available data were not sufficient to derive any enforcement measure against potential illegal uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants Bayer CropScience Europe and Oxon Italia S.p.A. submitted requests to the competent national authority in Spain and Italy, respectively, to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fosetyl in peach and potato from the intended southern Europe (SEU) uses of fosetyl‐Al. The applicants Adama Agriculture B.V., Fitosanitarios Bajo Riesgo AIE and Almond Board of California submitted each an application to the competent national authority in France to modify the MRLs for fosetyl‐Al in pome fruits, peaches and tree nuts (except coconut) for the intended/authorised uses of the active substance potassium phosphonates. The data submitted in support of the requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all the crops under consideration. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of fosetyl‐Al and phosphonic acid in plant matrices under consideration. EFSA concluded that the proposed use of fosetyl‐Al on potatoes and the proposed uses of potassium phosphonates on pome fruits and peaches and the authorised use of potassium phosphonates on tree nuts in the United States are unlikely to result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values for phosphonic acid and fosetyl and therefore are unlikely to pose a risk to consumers’ health. However, the risk assessment is considered to be tentative and has to be updated as soon as the approval of the renewal of fosetyl and the review of existing uses of potassium phosphonates and disodium phosphonate is finalised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance tebufenozide. To assess the occurrence of tebufenozide 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 European authorisations reported by Member States (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Although no apparent risk to consumers was identified, some information required by the regulatory framework was missing. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only and some MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Arysta LifeScience Benelux SPRL submitted a request to the competent national authority in Italy, to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance pyrimethanil in cucurbits with edible peel. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive a MRL proposal for cucurbits with edible peel. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of pyrimethanil on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of pyrimethanil according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with the Article 53 of the Regulation (EC) 1107/2009, Greece granted a 120-day emergency authorisation for the use of mepiquat in cotton following an application by the Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food. To accommodate for the use of mepiquat according to the authorised good agricultural practices, Greece submitted an application to set a temporary maximum residue level (tMRL) for the active substance mepiquat in cotton seed in line with Article 16(1) in conjunction with Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. Greece, as evaluating Member State (EMS), drafted an evaluation report in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, which was submitted to the European Commission and forwarded to EFSA. EFSA has assessed the available data and performed a risk assessment as regards the risks to consumers related to the exposure of mepiquat chloride in cotton seed. Several risk management options were derived in response to the request to amend the existing MRL for cotton seed. EFSA did not confirm the need to modify the existing MRLs for animal products as suggested by Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]