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Fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) comprise several previously unrelated carbohydrates, such as fructans, fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, fructose (in excess of glucose), mannitol and sorbitol, and among others. For many patients with gastro-intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, the ingestion of FODMAP triggers symptoms and causes discomfort. Among the main contributors to the dietary FODMAP intake are baking products, in particular bread as a major global staple food. This is primarily due to the fructan content of the cereal flours, but also process induced accumulation of FODMAP is possible. To provide low-FODMAP baking products, researchers have investigated various approaches, such as bio-process reduction by yeast, lactic acid bacteria, germination of the raw material or the use of exogenous enzymes. In addition, the selection of appropriate ingredients, which are either naturally or after pretreatment suitable for low-FODMAP products, is discussed. The sensory and nutritional quality of low-FODMAP baking products is another issue, that is addressed, with particular focus on providing sufficient dietary fiber intake. Based on this information, the current state of low-FODMAP baking and future research necessities, to establish practical strategies for low-FODMAP products, are evaluated in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Cold-pressed berry seed oils are used for consumption and other applications including skin and hair care. They are natural products which gain the attention of customers. In this study, strawberry, raspberry and blackberry seed oils used for cosmetic purposes, purchased from three different European producers, were analyzed. The aim of the study was to assess the quality and oxidative stability of the berry fruit oils, thus they were analyzed after purchase and after 4 and 8 weeks of storage at room temperature. Materials and methods. Acid and peroxide values were determined in the tested oils, as was oxidative stability, which was measured using pressure differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC). Additionally, fatty acid profiles and their distribution at sn-1,3 and sn-2 positions of triacylglycerols were characterized. Results, principal. Most of the fatty acids of the tested berry seed oils are polyunsaturated fatty acids (67.04-74.95%). The results show the low quality of the tested oils in terms of oxidative stability (high peroxide values: 21.9-249.6 mEq O2/kg oil). Conclusion. Based on this study, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of these products on the body. Moreover, standards clarifying the oxidation of cosmetic oils should be set internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the thermal treatment on chemical parameters of margarines enriched with phytosteryl fatty acid esters is evaluated. Sterols, fatty acids, polar and volatile compounds, dimers, trimers, tocopherols, 3‐MCPD and glycidyl esters are analyzed applying GPC‐RI, GC‐FID, GC‐MS, and HPLC. Additionally, a Rancimat test is performed to compare the oxidative stability of margarines. This study shows that margarines with and without added phytosteryl esters are both stable at a mild temperature of 60 °C over a period of at least 7 days. On the other side after 15 min of pan‐frying at 180 °C a degradation of unsaturated fatty acids (14–47%), phytosterols (31–49%), and vitamin‐E‐active compounds (71–100%) is found. The supplementation of margarines with phytosteryl fatty acid esters have no effect on their oxidative stability during pan‐frying characterized by Rancimat test and total polar compounds. Volatile, degradation products of fatty acids as well as phytosterols, are found after pan‐frying. The composition of volatiles after pan‐frying significantly differed depends on the presence of additional PSE in margarines. For the first time, it is shown that pan‐frying with margarines over a period of 15 min results in a remarkable formation of 3‐MCPD esters while the increase of glycidyl esters is only very moderate. Practical Application: Based on this study results additional phytosteryl esters do not have antioxidative properties on margarines upon pan‐frying. What is more, they are not stable during pan‐frying at 180 °C. A significant amount of nutritionals as phytosterols, vitamin E active compounds, unsaturated fatty acids are degraded within 15 min and other undesired compounds as dimers, trimers, 3‐MCPD esters are formed. According to the research, heating at a high temperature over longer time should not be applied to this kind of product to avoid oxidation of valuable constituents and formation of degradation products. Volatile compounds which were found are characteristic for fatty acids and phytosterols degradation and can be used as indicators of margarines oxidation. The research presents chemical changes in margarines with and without additional phytosteryl/phytostanyl fatty acid esters. In the graphical abstract compounds which naturally occur in those margarines are presented and compounds which are formed after thermo‐oxidative degradation during pan‐frying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Phytosterols are mainly known as a cholesterol-lowering factor, although they form oxidation products during food storage and processing. Moreover, phytosterol oxidation products (POP) can be absorbed and found in human serum, so there is the need to investigate their impact on different kinds of cells. Material and methods. Esters of fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and linolenic) with stigmasterol were synthetized and heated at 180°C, for 1-12 hours. The cytotoxic effect on the leukemic cells of unheated stigmasteryl esters and the mixture of compounds after heating was determined using MTT assays. POP were identified using GC-MS. The total number of POP was analysed by SPE fractionation and GC-FID separation. Dimers, trimers and oligomers in non-polar fraction were determined by gel permeation chromatography with refractive index detection. Results. After heating, stigmasterol oxidation products were formed (up to 1.1 mg/g ester). The heating increased the potency of the compounds to reduce cell population and form POPs and oligomers in a timedependent manner. Conclusion. The cytotoxicity depends on the kind of ester, dose and time. The strongest cytotoxic effect was found after 72 hours of cell treatment. Among the three stigmasteryl esters tested the most cytotoxic effect was caused by stigmasteryl linoleate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Pumpkin seed oil is valuable oil for its distinctive taste and aroma, as well as supposed healthpromoting properties. The aim of this study was to investigate how roasting pumpkin seeds influences the physicochemical properties of cold-pressed oils. Materials and methods. The fatty acid composition, content of phytosterols, carotenoids and tocopherols, oxidative stability and colour were determined in oils after cold pressing and storage for 3 months using GC-FID, GCxGC-ToFMS, HPLC, Rancimat and spectrophotometric methods. Results. The results of this study indicate that the seed-roasting and storage process have no effect on the fatty acid composition of pumpkin seed oils, but does affect phytosterols and tocopherols. The carotenoid content decreased after storage. The colour of the roasted oil was darker and changed significantly during storage. Conclusion. Pumpkin oil obtained from roasted seeds shows better physicochemical properties and oxidative stability than oil from unroasted seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The profile of sterols and squalene content in oils recovered from the kernels of 15 apricot (Prunus armeniacaL.) varieties were investigated. Nine sterols (campesterol, β-sitosterol, Δ5-avenasterol, 24-methylene-cycloartanol, cholesterol, gramisterol, Δ7-stigmasterol, Δ7-avenasterol and citrostadienol) were identified in apricot kernel oils. The β-sitosterol was the predominant sterol in each cultivar and consisted of 76–86% of the total detected sterols. The content of total sterols and squalene were significantly affected by the variety and ranged between 215.7–973.6 and 12.6–43.9 mg/100 g of oil, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

BACKGROUND The by-products of seven different cereal grains were investigated as a source of extractable oil, rich in lipophilic bioactive compounds. RESULTS Oil yields (g kg−1 DW) recovered from cereal by-products were as follows: 189 (rice bran) > 112 (wheat germ) > 74 (corn bran) > 58 (oat bran) > 41 (buckwheat bran) > 39 (spelt bran) > 33 (wheat bran) > 27 (rye bran). The main fatty acids identified in the studied oil samples were palmitic acid (11.39-17.23%), oleic acid (11.76-42.73%), linoleic acid (35.54-62.65%) and α-linolenic acid (1.05-9.46%). The range of total tocochromanols and phytosterols in the obtained oils was 0.369-3.763 and 1.19-35.24 g kg−1 of oil, respectively. The oils recovered from buckwheat and corn bran, and wheat germ were dominated by tocopherols (99.9, 84.2 and 96.5%, respectively), whereas the oat, rice, rye, spelt, wheat bran oils were rich in tocotrienols (73.9, 79.6, 78.1, 90.6 and 73.8%, respectively). The campesterol and β-sitosterol constituted 10.1-32.5 and 30.4-63.7%, respectively, of total phytosterols contents identified in all of the studied samples. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that oils recovered from the cereal by-products are richer sources of bioactive compounds, compared with traditional oils. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold-pressed linseed and camelina oils have been available on the global market for many years. They are known for their high contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), mainly α-linolenic (ALA). This study aimed to evaluate the quality and oxidative stability of linseed and camelina cold-pressed oils purchased in retail outlets in Poland. The fatty acid composition, peroxide value, acid value, anisidine value, chlorophyll pigments, carotenoid pigments, and oxidative stability of these oils were analyzed. It was found that all analyzed oils meet the standards of requirements of the Codex Alimentarius (2009) for cold-pressed oils. The content of chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments of linseed and camelina oils was significantly different. The percentage composition of PUFAs was high in both types of oils, but it was significantly higher in linseed than in camelina oils. The results of Rancimat and PDSC tests show low oxidative stability of all tested oils, although camelina oils were more stable than linseed oils. Practical applications: Based on the study, it can be concluded that linseed and camelina oils should be included in the human diet to provide an optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. The differences between tested oils of the same seed species were significant. This study shows that quick methods of testing an oils oxidative stability (Rancimat and PDSC) may be successfully applied in oil studies. The study evaluates the quality of cold-pressed linseed and camelina oils purchased in retail outlets in Poland. The research shows a correlation ( r = −0.673) between content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and oxidative stability of tested oils. Oxidative stability was determined by Rancimat test and fatty acid composition by GC-FID. [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 emamectin. To assess the occurrence of emamectin residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, 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. Some information required by the regulatory framework was missing and a possible acute risk to consumers was identified. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only, some MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers and measures for reduction of the consumer exposure should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applicant Dow AgroSciences submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to evaluate the confirmatory data that were identified for oryzalin in the framework of the maximum residue level (MRL) review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as not available. To address the data gaps identified, residue trials on apples were submitted which are appropriate to conclude on the residue situation in kiwi fruits; furthermore, new residue trials on asparagus and on bananas were also provided. The information submitted to address the primary crop metabolism on asparagus was considered not sufficient to elucidate the nature of residues expected in asparagus. Thus, since the data gap for asparagus was not fully addressed, risk managers may consider the deletion of the existing MRL. For kiwi fruits and bananas, the previously derived MRLs do not have to be modified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Agro‐Kanesho submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRLs) for the active substance acequinocyl in citrus fruits. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for grapefruits, oranges, lemons, limes and mandarins. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of acequinocyl in 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 acequinocyl according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the Federal Public Service Health, Food chain Safety and Environment of Belgium, submitted an application to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance flonicamid in blueberries, cranberries, currants, gooseberries and strawberries. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the crops assessed. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of flonicamid in plant matrices under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg for each analyte included in the residue definition (combined LOQ of 0.03 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 flonicamid 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 Adama Agan Ltd submitted a request to the competent national authority in Italy to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for propaquizafop/quizalofop in lettuces and salad plants to accommodate the intended SEU use of propaquizafop. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals of 0.15 mg/kg for the intended SEU use of propaquizafop for the crops belonging to the crop group of lettuces and salad plants. The MRL proposals are expressed for a common residue definition that covers quizalofop and propaquizafop. Since the EU MRL is set at a higher level of 0.20 mg/kg, no modification of the MRL is currently required for the intended use. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of propaquizafop, expressed as quizalofop, in plant matrices under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the long‐term and short‐term intake of residues occurring in food from the existing uses of quizalofop‐P‐ethyl, quizalofop‐P‐tefuryl and propaquizafop and from the intended use of propaquizafop on lettuces and other salad plants, 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 Du Pont de Nemours GmbH submitted two requests to the competent national authority in Ireland to modify the existing EU maximum residue levels (MRLs) and to set import tolerances for oxathiapiprolin in various plant commodities in order to accommodate the intended EU uses and the authorised uses of this active substance in China, Canada and the United States. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all crops under consideration, except for Brussels sprouts and peas (without pods), for which residue data were either not submitted or were insufficient to support the use. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of oxathiapiprolin in commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that, taking into account the existing and the intended uses, the long‐term intake of residues of oxathiapiprolin 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 bupirimate. To assess the occurrence of bupirimate residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EC) No 33/2008, 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]

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 fluopicolide. To assess the occurrence of fluopicolide 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 (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. Some information required by the regulatory framework was missing and a possible acute risk to consumers was identified. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only, some MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers and measures for reduction of the consumer exposure should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, Finland, hereafter referred to as the evaluating Member State (EMS), received an application from BASF SE to modify the temporary maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance mepiquat in cultivated fungi based on monitoring data. Mepiquat residues in mushrooms do not result from the use of the active substance on mushrooms, but from the uptake of residues via the growth substrate composed of cereal straw that has been treated with mepiquat. Based on a total of 74 samples on oyster mushrooms, three different MRL proposals were derived. A risk management decision is required, considering the acceptable non‐compliance rate, in order to decide which temporary MRL is the most appropriate to cover the presence of mepiquat chloride residues in oyster mushrooms. The exposure to residues of mepiquat chloride at the levels observed in the monitoring data on cultivated oyster mushrooms, which were the basis for deriving the MRL proposals, 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 pyriofenone. To assess the occurrence of pyriofenone residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, 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. No risk to consumers was identified but 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 Syngenta (France SAS) submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance emamectin in peaches. A second request was submitted by Syngenta Italia S.p.a to the competent national authority in Italy to modify the MRL emamectin in kiwi. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for kiwi and peaches. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to enforce the residues resulting from the use of emamectin benzoate on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.001 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 emamectin benzoate 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 level (MRL) for the active substance acibenzolar‐S‐methyl in hazelnuts. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for hazelnuts/cobnuts. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control residues of acibenzolar‐S‐methyl in the plant matrix 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 acibenzolar‐S‐methyl according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applicant BASF SE submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to evaluate the confirmatory data that were identified for bentazone in the framework of the maximum residue level (MRL) review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as not available. To address the data gaps, a new livestock feeding study and storage stability data for bentazone and 6‐hydroxy bentazone in animal matrices were submitted. To address the data gap for potatoes, adjusted less critical good agricultural practices (GAPs) were reported and supporting residue data were provided. The data gap related to analytical methods in fat and herbal infusions were addressed in the framework of the peer review. The data gap for residue trials on leek has not been addressed. Further confirmation from the applicant/Member States are needed for the clarification of the GAP for herbal infusions. Based on the information submitted in support of the confirmatory data request, the existing EU MRLs for bentazone need to be modified for potato and leek, for swine fat and kidney and for bovine, equine, goat and sheep fat, liver and milk. The consumer risk assessment performed in the MRL review was updated, using new toxicological reference values derived by the peer review. No consumer intake concerns were identified. [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 clethodim. To assess the occurrence of clethodim 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 and European authorisations reported by Member States (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL could not be proposed because an overall consumer risk assessment could not be finalised. Risk managers should be made aware that the genotoxic potential of the clethodim metabolite 3‐chloroallyl alcohol, the aglycon of 3‐chlorolallyl alcohol glucoside (M14A/M15A) could not be concluded and no toxicological reference values could be derived for this metabolite. Until a conclusion on the toxicological properties of the metabolite is reached, a decision on the residue definition for risk assessment cannot be made which is a prerequisite to perform a reliable dietary risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants Luxembourg Industries (Pamol) Ltd and De Sangosse SAS submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for fosetyl/phosphonic acid related to the use of potassium phosphonates on potatoes, wheat and some animal commodities. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the crops under assessments and for animal commodities. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of phosphonic acid on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg for high water‐ and dry matrices and at LOQ of 0.1 mg/kg in high acid matrices and in animal matrices and eggs at the validated LOQ of 0.05 mg/kg and in milk at the validated LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the intake of residues resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Belgium Federal Public Service for Health, Food chain safety and Environment (Belgium FPS Health) submitted a request to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance fludioxonil in Florence fennels. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal of 1.5 mg/kg for Florence fennels. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of fludioxonil on the commodity 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 fludioxonil according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applicant BASF SE submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to evaluate the confirmatory data that were identified for dimethenamid‐P in the framework of the maximum residue level (MRL) review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as not available. The data gap refers to the submission of a plant metabolism study investigating the fate of dimethenamid‐P following foliar treatment with a short preharvest interval (PHI) in a leafy or bulb vegetable crop. The confirmatory data requirement is considered sufficiently addressed according to the conclusions of the peer review, which, based on available metabolism studies, proposed to modify the existing enforcement and risk assessment residue definitions in all plant commodities, by including additional dimethenamid‐P metabolites ((2RS)‐3‐(2‐{(2,4‐dimethylthiophen‐3‐yl)[(2S)‐1‐methoxypropan‐2‐yl]amino}‐2‐oxoethanesulfinyl)‐2‐hydroxypropanoic acid (M30) and (2RS)‐3‐[(2‐{(2,4‐dimethylthiophen‐3‐yl)[(2S)‐1‐methoxypropan‐2‐yl]amino}‐2‐oxoethyl)sulfanyl]‐2‐hydroxypropanoic acid (M26). The residue data of metabolites M26 and M30 are currently not available for all authorised uses assessed in the MRL review. Should risk managers decide amending residue definitions, the existing EU MRLs would need to be revised accordingly. The consumer exposure as calculated by the MRL review was updated in two scenarios, using the existing and the new toxicological reference values as derived by the peer review. For the crops under consideration (spring onions, lettuce, escarole and herbs), indicative conversion factors were applied to account for possible metabolite burden. No consumer intake concerns were identified. [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 Greece to set an import tolerance for the active substance 2,4‐D in genetically modified (GM) soyabeans imported from Canada and the USA. The genetic modification confers tolerance to the herbicide 2,4‐D. The data submitted in support of the request provided sufficient evidence to conclude that residues of parent 2,4‐D and of the metabolite 2,4‐dichlorophenol (2,4‐DCP), which was found in the GM soybeans treated with 2,4‐D, are unlikely to present a risk for consumers. Sufficiently validated analytical methods are available to enforce the proposed maximum residue level (MRL) in soybeans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 four 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 2018 onwards. These provisions take into account the experience of both the previous reporting seasons and the new legislation applicable in 2018. This EFSA Guidance will not be applicable for the 2019 data collection provided to EFSA in 2020. In 2020, all data on annual monitoring will be transmitted in SSD2 format only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Nissan Chemical Europe S.A.S. submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance pyridaben in tomatoes and aubergines. An MRL proposal of 0.15 mg/kg was derived for tomatoes and aubergines which reflects the intended use of the plant protection product containing pyridaben. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of pyridaben in plant matrices at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the proposed use of pyridaben on tomatoes and aubergines will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore it 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 Bayer Hellas AG submitted a request to the competent national authority in Greece to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance fluopyram in broccoli. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for broccoli. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of fluopyram on the commodity 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 fluopyram according to the reported agricultural practice for broccoli will not result in consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore are unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the FPS Health, Food chain safety and Environment of Belgium, submitted an application to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance cyprodinil in Florence fennel to accommodate the intended use in the northern Europe. The submitted data were found sufficient to derive an MRL proposal of 4 mg/kg for cyprodinil in Florence fennel. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of cyprodinil in the plant matrix 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 authorised uses of cyprodinil and the intended use on Florence fennel is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. An indicative acute exposure assessment was performed, considering the acute reference dose (ARfD) proposed by the rapporteur Member State (RMS) in the framework of the currently ongoing renewal of the approval of cyprodinil; no acute health concerns were identified with regard to cyprodinil residues in Florence fennel. As the peer review on the renewal of the approval of cyprodinil in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 is currently ongoing, the conclusions reported in this reasoned opinion may need to be reconsidered in the light of the outcome of the peer review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In January 2018, the guidance document on the use of EFSA PRIMo revision 3 was published in the EFSA Journal. Following feedback from users, the risk assessment tool has been updated, including editorial modifications and corrections of input values used for the calculation of the exposure assessments. This technical report summarises the modifications introduced in EFSA PRIMo revision 3.1. This publication is linked to the following EFSA Journal article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5147/full [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]