Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for fosetyl/phosphonic acid in chards/beet leaves and honey resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant BASF SE submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fosetyl/phosphonic acid (fosetyl-Al (sum of fosetyl, phosphonic acid and their salts, expressed as fosetyl)) in chards/beet leaves and honey. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the commodities under assessment. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of fosetyl and phosphonic acid in chards/beet leaves and honey. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of phosphonic acid residues resulting in chard/beet leaves and honey from the use of potassium phosphonates according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for fosetyl/phosphonic acid in apricots, cherries and plums resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant LAINCO S.A. submitted a request to the competent national authority in Greece to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs), currently expressed as fosetyl in the MRL Regulation, resulting from the use of the active substance potassium phosphonates on apricots, cherries and plums. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals and address the data gap for residue trials compliant with the Southern EU uses identified in the joint MRL review for cherries and plums, but insufficient for apricots. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues on the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the long-term intake of residues resulting from the uses of potassium phosphonates according to the intended agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Adsorption of Phosphorus Oxyanions at the FeOOH(goethite)/Water Interface: The Importance of Basicity

P^III-containing H-phosphonate (HPO₃^2-) and its monoethyl ester (fosetyl), essential pesticides for control of oomycete and fungal pathogens, are among the few pesticides transported by both xylem and phloem, making application as folia spray, soil spray, and trunk injection equally effective. To understand bioavailability and efficacy within soils, knowledge of adsorption to soil minerals is important. FeOOH(goethite) is often selected as an archetypal mineral surface. In the present work, H-phosphonate (with pK_a values of 1.5 and 6.78) adsorption onto FeOOH is nearly complete below pH 6 and decreases to negligible amounts by pH 11, following an S-shaped curve. Fosetyl (pK_a: 0.9), in contrast, does not adsorb to any significant extent, regardless of pH. To place these observations in context, adsorption of six other phosphorus oxyanions was investigated, and fitted using a CD-MUSIC model. Phosphate defines a similar S-shaped curve but adsorbs more strongly than H-phosphonate. Despite moderate differences in basicity, pH dependence and extents of adsorption for the four additional diprotic oxyanions methylphosphonate (pK_as: 2.40, 8.00), benzylphosphonate (2.24, 7.93), phenylphosphonate (1.9, 7.47), and phenyl phosphate (1.1, 6.28) are quite similar to those of H-phosphonate. As with fosetyl, the other low pK_a monoprotic oxyanion in our study, phenylphosphinate (pK_a: 1.75), does not adsorb. Basicity, that is, pK_a, is revealed to be the principal determinant of extents of adsorption.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for fosetyl/phosphonic acid in citrus fruits resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Luxembourg Industries (Pamol) Ltd submitted a request to the competent national authority in Spain to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fosetyl/phosphonic acid (fosetyl-Al (sum of fosetyl, phosphonic acid and their salts, expressed as fosetyl)) in citrus fruits. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of potassium phosphonates according to the existing and proposed residue definitions for enforcement in the commodities under consideration. Since EFSA raised concerns regarding the independence of some of the residue trials submitted in support of the MRL application, EFSA presented three options of MRL proposals for further risk management consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates on citrus crops according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Reasoned opinion on the joint review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fosetyl, disodium phosphonate and potassium phosphonates according to Articles 12 and 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005

EFSA received from the European Commission a mandate to provide its reasoned opinion on the joint review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fosetyl and phosphonates in or on food and feed according to Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. 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 substances potassium and disodium phosphonates. As fosetyl, potassium phosphonates and disodium phosphonates degrade to phosphonic acid, it was considered appropriate to jointly review the residues of these three active substances. To assess the occurrence of fosetyl, potassium phosphonates and disodium phosphonate 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) and the monitoring data from official control. 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.

Modification of the existing MRLs for potassium phosphonates in lemons, limes and mandarins and in herbal infusions from leaves and herbs

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants Lainco S.A., Exclusivas Sarabia S.A., Biovert S.L., Sipcam Inagra S.A. and Tilco-Alginure GmbH submitted respectively two requests to the competent national authorities in Greece and Germany, to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance potassium phosphonates in certain citrus fruits and in herbal infusions from leaves and herbs. The data submitted in support of both requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for lemons, limes, mandarins, strawberries leaves and the remaining plants included in the group of herbal infusions from leaves and herbs. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control potassium phosphonates residues in the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results using the currently set acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 2.25 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day for phosphonic acid, EFSA concluded that the long-term intake of residues resulting from the uses of potassium phosphonates according to the reported good agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The consumer risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative; a more realistic intake assessment will be performed in the framework of the joint review of MRLs for fosetyl and potassium phosphonates.

Setting of an import tolerance for potassium phosphonates in blueberries

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Exponent International Ltd. (on behalf of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC)) submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to set an import tolerance for the active substance potassium phosphonates in blueberries. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive a maximum residue level (MRL) proposal for blueberries. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of phosphonic acid on the commodity under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.1 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 potassium phosphonates according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The consumer risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative and a refined intake assessment will be performed in the framework of the joint review of MRLs for fosetyl and phosphonates.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for potassium phosphonates in various crops

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants Tilco-Alginure GmbH, ADAMA Agriculture BV, Lainco S.A., Exclusivas Sarabia S.A., Biovert S.L. and Landwirtschaftskammer Steiermark submitted requests to the competent national authorities in Germany, France, Greece and Austria to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance potassium phosphonates in various crops. The data submitted in support of the different requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all crops under assessment. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of potassium phosphonates in the crops under assessment. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The consumer risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative and a more realistic intake assessment will be performed in the framework of the joint review of MRLs for fosetyl and phosphonates. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for potassium phosphonates in flowering brassica, Chinese cabbages, kales and spinaches

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Tilco-Alginure GmbH submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) for the active substance potassium phosphonates in flowering brassica, Chinese cabbages, kales and spinaches. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for all the crops under assessment. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control residues of potassium phosphonates in the crops under assessment. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The consumer risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative and a more realistic intake assessment will be performed in the framework of the MRL review for potassium phosphonates. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for potassium phosphonates in certain berries and small fruits

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.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance fosetyl

The conclusions of EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State France and co-rapporteur Member State Estonia for the pesticide active substance fosetyl are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of fosetyl as a fungicide on grapes, citrus and pome fruits. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for fosetyl-Al in tree nuts, pome fruit, peach and potato

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.

Determination of Fosetyl and Phosphonic Acid at 0.010 mg/kg Level by Ion Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A new sensitive, fast, and robust method using ion chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (IC-MS/MS) for the determination of fosetyl and phosphonic acid in plant-derived matrices was developed. For compensation of matrix effects and differences in recovery rates the isotopically labeled internal standard (ILIS) ¹⁸O₃-labeled phosphonic acid was added to the samples prior to the extraction of the target compounds. The validation of the method for the matrices tomato, apple, lemon, sultana, avocado, and wheat was performed according to the actual EU guidance document SANTE/11945/2015. The precision and accuracy were determined in five replicates at spiking levels of 0.010 and 0.100 mg/kg with recovery rates between 76 and 105% and RSDs between 1.2 and 17.8%. In this paper, it was achieved for the first time to detect both fosetyl and phosphonic acid at the reporting level of 0.010 mg/kg most relevant for organic plant food commodities.