Statement on the update of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for copper compounds in light of the EFSA scientific opinion on the re-evaluation of the health-based guidance values (HBGVs) and exposure assessment from all sources

Abstract

In compliance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for copper compounds in light of the EFSA Scientific Committee opinion on the re-evaluation of the health-based guidance values (HBGVs) and exposure assessment from all sources. Based on the exposure calculations performed according to three different scenarios, the updated occurrence data and the residues from the new intended uses are not expected to have an impact on the chronic exposure calculations conducted under the framework of the EFSA Scientific Committee assessment. Therefore, the conclusions of the previous assessment by EFSA Scientific Committee are still valid. Since the current copper exposure is expected to cover all sources of copper, including the uses of copper as plant protection products (PPPs), it can be concluded that the authorised PPP uses for copper compounds and the new intended PPP uses present no health risk for the population, including children. Due to copper being also a micronutrient and ubiquitous in the environment, as requested in the mandate, the dietary risk assessment was performed following a different approach than the standard methodology for the dietary risk assessment of pesticide residues in the framework of setting and reviewing MRLs under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 and in the peer review of pesticides under Regulation (EU) No 1107/2009. Therefore, all MRL proposals are suggested for further consideration by risk managers.