European Commission proposes higher MRL for neonicotinoid insecticide in imported Canadian potatoes

The European Commission proposes to increase the maximum residue limit for clothianidin in the import of potatoes to the EU from 0.03 milligram to 0.3 milligram per kilo. This proposal was made because clothianidin is allowed in the production of potatoes in Canada. The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport has agreed to this proposal on behalf of the Netherlands. This has raised questions for member of the Lower House Lodders of the VVD, because the acceptance of the neonicotinoid clothianidin was withdrawn in the EU due to the harm it does to bees.

Minister Schouten of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality has said in a response to questions from Lodders that the proposal of the European Commission is based on risk assessments of the European authority for food safety, EFSA. According to the EFSA, the limits now proposed don’t give cause for worries about the food safety. Dutch experts agree with the conclusions of the EFSA.

Higher import tolerance

When a substance hasn’t been approved at a European level as an active substance in pesticides, it means that residues of that substance can’t be evident in crops in the EU. A standard level of 0.01 milligram per kilo is in place. When the use is allowed in a third country, an interested party in that country has the option to request a higher import tolerance. This import tolerance is granted when a risk assessment shows that food and animal feed are safe for consumption with a higher maximum residue limit as well.

Impact on environment in third countries not taken into account of risk assessment

The curtailment of the use of clothianidin in the EU has not been implemented because of a risk to public health, but because of the risks for bees, Schouten says. The European residue legislation does not include the potential harm to the environment in third countries in the residue assessment; this is the responsibility of the country that uses the substance. When the Netherlands agrees with adjustment of the residue limit of clothianidin, only the safety of the consumer was considered in accordance with the legislation.