In Document No. 2023.8081 issued on July 12, 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) accepted the application submitted by Bayer CropScience SA-NV. The application requests revisions to the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for flupyradifurone and its metabolite difluoroacetic acid in various plant and animal commodities and the establishment of import tolerances, as per Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

To determine whether this application should be accepted, EFSA conducted a risk assessment. Based on the assessment results, EFSA recommends revising the MRLs for flupyradifurone and its metabolite difluoroacetic acid in food.

Revising maximum residue limits in food

This application and EFSAs risk assessment results are significant for food producers and importers as they may influence their choice of pesticides and application methods. It will also impact consumers who have the right to know about pesticide residues in their food.

EFSAs recommendation requires approval from the European Commission to take effect. If approved, it will modify existing MRLs and potentially impact pesticide usage regulations.

Note: While EFSAs recommendation may affect pesticide regulations, pesticide use must still comply with national laws which may impose stricter restrictions.