EU Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) are essential trading standards and are set through a scientific, risk-based assessment that ensures residues on food and feed are safe for consumers.
Maintaining the current risk-based MRL framework is critical to protect consumer safety, provide legal certainty for farmers and companies, support compliance with WTO rules, and safeguard the competitiveness of the EU agri-food value chain and stable international trade. CropLife Europe therefore does not support shifting MRL-setting under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 away from a risk-based approach towards a hazard-based system.
Any proposal to fundamentally change the MRL framework should be preceded by a comprehensive impact assessment, considering different options, relevant scientific evidence and alternative risk management measures, and fully assessing impacts on competitiveness, trade, food security, prices, international standards and supply chains.