The statement contains a summary of the main findings of the assessment related to human health. The available genotoxicity dataset submitted for chlorpyrifos-methyl did not show any concern. However, the experts considered that it lacked the additional relevant information retrieved e.g. from the literature for chlorpyrifos. Therefore, the experts concluded that the genotoxicity potential of chlorpyrifos-methyl remains as unclear as that of chlorpyrifos. Moreover, the experts agreed that no reference values could be set, a fact that made it impossible to perform a risk assessment for consumers, operators, workers, bystanders and residents.
 
Based on results, it is considered that the approval criteria which are applicable to human health as laid down in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 are not met.
 
If the chlorpyrifos-methyl approval is not renewed, it will expire on January 31, 2020. Consequently, all the maximum residue limits (MRLs) will be lowered to the limit of analytical quantification.
 
Currently, the MRLs for chlorpyrifos-methyl in tree nuts, cranberries, dates and figs is already 0.01* ppm; in apricots and plums is 0.5 ppm; in grapes is 1.0 ppm; and in peanuts is 0.05 ppm.
 
EFSA Statement on the available outcomes of the human health assessment in the context of the pesticides peer review of the active substance chlorpyrifos methyl

Join us

Sign up to become a member of the INC and discover the benefits of INC membership. Or subscribe and have access to our magazine, industry newsletters and industry directory.

Privacy Preference Center