In January, the European Commission extended the temporary maximum residue limit (MRL) for Fosetyl-Al for almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pistachios, and walnuts until March 1, 2019, at the current level of 75 mg/kg. This extension allowed the Almond Board (working together with walnuts, pistachios, and the DFA) to complete the research by the IR-4 Program needed to submit a “dossier” for a permanent MRL.
The full dossier was submitted to France (the country that will review the submission) on Sept. 7. The European Commission was also advised that the submission had been made. Following are key points:
- In line with the EU’s criteria, the dossier was submitted for a tree nut grouping; this means the MRL will apply to almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pistachios, walnuts and other nuts, except for coconut.
- Based on the variability of the residue results within the field trials and the EU methodology for deriving MRLs, the dossier includes a recommendation for a permanent MRL, which is significantly higher than the current temporary MRL.
- After France completes its review, the dossier will be submitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for a review of the drafted risk assessment.
- EFSA will provide its opinion (including the recommended MRL) to the European Commission for inter-agency consultation and review.
All timelines agreed upon with the European Commission have been met. We believe everything is on track for a new permanent Fosetyl-Al MRL for the tree nut grouping to be in place on or before March 2019, which is when the current temporary MRL expires.
Almond Board of California (ABC) will continue to work closely with the USDA/Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) to monitor the process and address any questions that might arise. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Gabriele Ludwig or Julie Adams.
