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Resolution on the draft Commission regulation amending Annexes II, III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as regards maximum residue levels for clothianidin, cycloxydim, epoxiconazole, flonicamid, haloxyfop, mandestrobin, mepiquat, Metschnikowia fructicola strain NRRL Y-27328 and prohexadione in or on certain products

2019/2520(RPS)

The European Parliament adopted by 514 votes to 81, with 20 abstentions, a resolution objecting to the draft Commission regulation amending Annexes II, III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for clothianidin, cycloxydim, epoxiconazole, flonicamid, haloxyfop, mandestrobin, mepiquat, Metschnikowia fructicola strain NRRL Y-27328 and prohexadione in or on certain products.

Parliament opposed the adoption of the Commission's draft implementing regulation, considering that it was not compatible with the aim and content of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin.

In particular, Parliament noted that the draft Commission Regulation raised the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for clothianidin from 0.03 mg/kg to 0.3 mg/kg, while the MRLs for this substance should remain at 0.03 mg/kg.

Recalling that the use of clothianidin as a pesticide was generally harmful to pollinators, Members considered that the decision to register clothianidin could not be justified, as there is insufficient evidence to suggest that unacceptable risks to animals, food safety and pollinators will be prevented.

Parliament considered that the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) opinion did not take into account the cumulative risk to human health and bees; believes that effects on pollinators and the environment should be taken into account when evaluating MRLs. It called on the Member States and on EFSA to exercise greater vigilance towards the health of the public and pollinators when evaluating applications for MRLs.

On the basis of these considerations, Parliament asked the Commission to withdraw its draft regulation and present a new legislative proposal that respects the precautionary principle.