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[:uk]Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2632 of 8 October 2024 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1193 as regards measures on water liable to be infected by Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith 1896) Yabuuchi et al. 1996 emend. Safni et al. 2014, measures to be taken by the professional operators and the template on the reporting of survey results[:][:uk]Summary of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2632 The European Commission has issued Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2632 on 8 October 2024, which amends the previous Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1193. This regulation focuses on enhancing measures to eradicate and prevent the spread of Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith 1896) Yabuuchi et al. 1996 emend. Safni et al. 2014, a harmful plant pest known to cause significant damage to solanaceous crops such as potatoes and tomatoes. Key Amendments Introduced 1. Inclusion of Water Liable to be Infected The regulation extends the scope of measures to not only water confirmed to be infected but also water that is liable to be infected by Ralstonia solanacearum. This includes: Subjecting water liable to be infected to provisions regarding confirmation of the pest’s presence. Designating items as probably infected based on new elements. Implementing eradication measures for water liable to be infected. Considering water liable to be infected when determining possible spread of the pest. 2. Measures Within Demarcated Areas Within demarcated areas where the pest is present, the regulation mandates that both water confirmed to be infected and water liable to be infected are subject to specific control measures. These measures aim to prevent further spread within and beyond these areas. 3. Role of Professional Operators The regulation assigns greater responsibility to professional operators in the eradication and control efforts. Specifically: Professional operators are required to destroy or appropriately dispose of infected specified plants under the official supervision of competent authorities. This approach acknowledges the practical challenges faced by authorities in accessing all affected locations and leverages the capacity of operators to implement measures effectively. 4. Amendments to the Survey Reporting Template (Annex II) The regulation revises Annex II, which contains the template for presenting survey results. Key changes include: Improving the template’s practicality and efficacy for reporting. Removing data fields that do not provide significant information, such as sampling period data for certain potato tubers. Reordering columns to reflect the chronological order of actions, placing visual inspections before laboratory test results. Distinguishing between laboratory testing results from samples taken during visual inspections of growing crops and those from tubers in storage. Adding columns for laboratory testing of water to enhance accuracy in reporting. Transferring the column for positive visual inspections under laboratory tests for clearer presentation. Separating results for symptomatic and asymptomatic samples to better understand latent infections and potential spread. Eliminating data fields that are redundant due to existing requirements elsewhere in the regulation. 5. Specific Amendments to Articles and Annexes The regulation makes precise changes to various articles and annexes of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1193: Article 5(4), second subparagraph, point (b): Updated to include water liable to be infected when considering elements for designation. Article 6(1), first subparagraph: Professional operators must ensure infected specified plants are destroyed or disposed of under official supervision. Annex IV: Adjustments to elements for designating items as probably infected and determining possible spread, including references to water liable to be infected. Annex V, point 4.2(2): Amendments to measures concerning surface water designated as infected or liable to be infected, introducing certain derogations under specific conditions. 6. Introduction of Derogations The regulation allows for derogations (exceptions) in specific circumstances: Member States may decide not to conduct annual surveys of surface water designated as infected or liable to be infected if there is no indication of a change in pest status within the demarcated area. The use of water subject to a ban may be permitted in greenhouses for irrigation and spraying of tomato plants and other host plants intended for final consumption and processing, provided the water is disinfected or found free from the pest after intensive sampling and testing. Implementation and Enforcement The regulation stipulates that it will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. It is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States, ensuring uniform implementation across the European Union. Conclusion Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2632 strengthens the measures against Ralstonia solanacearum by broadening the scope to include water liable to be infected, refining roles and responsibilities of professional operators, and enhancing the effectiveness of survey reporting. These amendments aim to improve the detection, control, and eradication of this harmful plant […]

[:uk]Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2633 of 8 October 2024 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for azoxystrobin, famoxadone, flutriafol, mandipropamid and mefentrifluconazole in or on certain products[:][:uk] Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2633 of 8 October 2024 Amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels (MRLs) for azoxystrobin, famoxadone, flutriafol, mandipropamid, and mefentrifluconazole in or on certain products. Key Provisions: 1. Amendment of Annex II: The Regulation updates Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 by replacing the existing MRLs for the active substances azoxystrobin, famoxadone, flutriafol, mandipropamid, and mefentrifluconazole. The new MRLs are specified for various combinations of these substances with specific agricultural products. 2. Updated Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs): The MRLs are presented in a detailed table, specifying the allowable limits of pesticide residues (in mg/kg) for each substance-product combination. Some key updates include: Azoxystrobin: Citrus fruits: MRL set at 15 mg/kg. Stone fruits: MRLs updated for apricots (2 mg/kg), cherries (5 mg/kg), peaches (2 mg/kg), and plums (1.5 mg/kg). Berries and small fruits: MRLs adjusted for grapes (table grapes at 3 mg/kg, wine grapes at 2 mg/kg), strawberries (10 mg/kg), and other small fruits. Bulb vegetables: MRL for onions set at 10 mg/kg. Potatoes: MRL set at 7 mg/kg. Cereals: Updated MRLs for barley (1.5 mg/kg), oats (1.5 mg/kg), rice (5 mg/kg), sorghum (10 mg/kg), and wheat (0.5 mg/kg). Products of animal origin: Specific MRLs established for swine, bovine, sheep, goat, poultry, and their products. Famoxadone: Designated as fat-soluble (indicated by footnote “F”). MRLs generally set at the limit of quantification (0.01 mg/kg) for most products. Notable exceptions include a higher MRL for grapes. Flutriafol: MRLs updated for several fruits and cereals. Specific MRLs include 0.8 mg/kg for table grapes and 1.5 mg/kg for wine grapes. Bananas have an MRL of 0.3 mg/kg. Mandipropamid: MRLs updated for various vegetables and fruits. Courgettes: MRL set at 0.2 mg/kg. Radish leaves: A specific MRL of 50 mg/kg applies exclusively to radish leaves. Onions: MRL for onions set at 0.1 mg/kg, with a note regarding pending data. Potatoes: MRL set at 0.1 mg/kg, with certain conditions due to identified data gaps. Mefentrifluconazole: MRLs established for a wide range of fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and products of animal origin. Citrus fruits: MRLs ranging from 0.5 mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg depending on the specific fruit. Berries and small fruits: MRLs set for strawberries (2 mg/kg), grapes (2 mg/kg for table grapes, 2 mg/kg for wine grapes), and other small fruits. Oilseeds: MRLs established for various seeds like sunflower seeds (0.15 mg/kg) and rapeseeds (1 mg/kg). Cereals: MRLs updated for barley (3 mg/kg), oats (0.6 mg/kg), rice (1.5 mg/kg), and wheat (0.4 mg/kg). Products of animal origin: Specific MRLs established for meat, fat, liver, kidney, and other edible offals from different animal species. 3. Footnotes and Specific Conditions: The Regulation includes footnotes providing additional information: (*1) Indicates lower limit of analytical determination. (F) Denotes that famoxadone is fat-soluble. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) identified missing information on toxicity of metabolites or residue trials for certain substances and products. Deadlines are specified for the submission of this information. For mandipropamid, EFSA identified missing information on toxicity of metabolites for potatoes, beetroots, and radishes, with a submission deadline of 11 July 2021. Specific MRLs are assigned exclusively to certain products, such as the 50 mg/kg MRL for mandipropamid in radish leaves. 4. Entry into Force: The Regulation enters into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal […]

[:uk]Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2619 of 8 October 2024 amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for fosetyl, potassium phosphonates and disodium phosphonate in or on certain products[:][:uk] Summary of Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2619 of 8 October 2024 This regulation amends Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, specifically updating the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fosetyl, potassium phosphonates, and disodium phosphonate in or on certain products. Key Provisions: Residue Definition Update: The residue definition for enforcement is changed from “Fosetyl-Al (sum of fosetyl, phosphonic acid and their salts, expressed as fosetyl)” to “phosphonic acid and its salts, expressed as phosphonic acid”. This change acknowledges that these substances degrade to phosphonic acid. New MRLs Established: Based on the new residue definition, new MRLs are set for various products as identified by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Consideration of Other Sources: Since potassium phosphonates are also used in products like fertilizers and plant strengtheners, the regulation considers residues from sources other than plant protection products when setting MRLs. Findings of Fosetyl: Residues of the parent substance fosetyl may be found in some crops. The regulation stipulates that findings of fosetyl should not be considered, and the default MRL of 0.01 mg/kg does not apply. Instead, the MRL for phosphonic acid applies. Limits of Determination (LOD): The European Union Reference Laboratories have established achievable LODs: 0.1 mg/kg in high water and acidic plant origin matrices 0.2 mg/kg in high fat and dry/high starch content plant origin matrices 0.05 mg/kg in milk 0.2 mg/kg in fat 0.5 mg/kg in liver, kidney, and muscle Lowest MRLs Maintained: Due to residue persistence and multiple sources, the lowest MRL is maintained at 1.5 mg/kg (adjusted from 2 mg/kg). For teas, coffee, herbal infusions, cocoa, and carobs, a lowest MRL of 20 mg/kg is set. MRLs for Specific Products: MRLs are established for specific products even when some data is lacking, provided no consumer risk is identified. These MRLs will be reviewed in the future: Within Two Years: Oranges, grapefruits, apples, pears, pineapples, cucurbits with inedible peel, dry peas, and potatoes (processing studies). Within Five Years: Dates, figs, kumquats, litchis/lychees, certain vegetables, herbs, spices, sugar beet roots, and sugar canes. MRLs Set for Product Groups: For categories where specific MRLs were not recommended, MRLs are set to the lowest applicable within that group. For “Solanaceae and Malvaceae, others” and “lettuces and salad plants, others,” MRLs are set based on existing national authorizations. Animal Products: MRLs for edible offals (other than liver and kidney) are set to the highest within the group to ensure realistic levels. MRLs for “other farmed terrestrial animals” are aligned with those for bovine animals. Applications for MRL Modifications: The regulation incorporates modifications to existing MRLs based on applications for citrus fruits, cherries, plums, chards/beet leaves, herbal infusions, honey, leeks, and spring onions. EFSA assessed these applications, and MRLs were updated where data requirements were met and no consumer risk was identified. Transitional Arrangements: Products placed on the market before 29 April 2025 may continue to comply with previous MRLs. The new MRLs apply from 29 April 2025. Amendments to Annexes II and III: Annex II: New columns for fosetyl and phosphonic acid are added, specifying MRLs for a wide range of products. Examples include: Tree Nuts: Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios with MRLs up to 1,000 mg/kg. Berries: Raspberries, blackberries with MRLs up to 200 mg/kg. Fruiting Vegetables: Tomatoes, sweet peppers, aubergines with an MRL of 70 mg/kg. Leaf Vegetables: Spinaches with an MRL of 200 mg/kg; lettuces up to 200 mg/kg. Cereals: Wheat with an MRL of 80 mg/kg; rice with an MRL of 3 mg/kg. Animal Products: Specific MRLs for muscle, fat, liver, kidney, and milk are established. Annex III: The column for fosetyl-Al in Part A is deleted, reflecting the updated residue definitions. Important Notes: Non-Consideration of Fosetyl Findings: Fosetyl findings are not considered, and the MRL for phosphonic acid applies instead of the default 0.01 mg/kg. Footnotes and Deadlines: The regulation includes footnotes specifying deadlines for submitting additional data (e.g., by 9 October 2026 or 9 October 2029) for certain products where data is currently lacking. Implementation Dates: Entry into Force: The regulation enters into force on the twentieth day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Applicability: The new MRLs apply from 29 April 2025. Transitional Measures: Products placed on the market before 29 April 2025 may continue to comply with the MRLs as they stood […]

[:uk]Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2636 of 8 October 2024 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1194 as regards the responsibilities of professional operators and the template to report survey results of Clavibacter sepedonicus (Spieckermann & Kotthoff 1914) Nouioui et al. 2018[:][:uk]Summary of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2636 of 8 October 2024 This Regulation amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1194 regarding measures to eradicate and prevent the spread of Clavibacter sepedonicus in the Union territory. The amendments are as follows: 1. Amendment to Article 6(1), First Subparagraph The first subparagraph of Article 6(1) is replaced with the following text: “Specified plants, designated as infected by the specified pest pursuant to Article 5(5), point (a), shall not be planted. The professional operators, under the official supervision of the competent authority, shall ensure that the infected specified plants are destroyed or are disposed of in another way, in accordance with point 1 of Annex V, provided that it is established that there is no identifiable risk of the specified pest spreading.” This amendment assigns the responsibility for the destruction or disposal of infected specified plants to professional operators, under the official supervision of the competent authority. 2. Replacement of Annex II Annex II of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1194 is replaced with a new template for presenting survey results of Clavibacter sepedonicus. The key features of the new Annex II are: The template is intended for reporting the results of surveys carried out during the calendar year preceding the year of reporting. It includes categories for different types of potato tubers: Potato tubers for planting (except those intended to be planted in their place of production). Potato tubers intended to be planted in their place of production. Potato tubers other than those for planting. Data to be reported in the template includes: Member State and category. Cropping area (hectares). Visual inspections of growing crops: Area visually inspected (hectares). Number of visual inspections. Number of visual inspections where symptoms were observed. Number of symptomatic samples taken. Number of asymptomatic samples taken. Visual inspections of tuber lots in storage: Number of visual inspections. Number of visual inspections where symptoms were observed. Number of symptomatic samples taken. Number of asymptomatic samples taken. Laboratory tests related to visual inspections of growing crops and tuber lot inspections: Number of symptomatic samples tested positive. Number of asymptomatic samples tested positive. Number of positive visual inspections. Number of positive lots. Notification numbers of outbreaks, as applicable, in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1715. Additional information. Footnotes provide instructions and clarifications on how to complete the template. 3. Entry into Force The Regulation enters into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Off […]

[:uk]Council Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 of 8 October 2024 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilizing activities[:][:uk] Overview of Council […]