A public consultation, launched by EFSA, is ongoing until 15 November on its pilot assessments of the risks posed to humans by residues of multiple pesticides in food. The result of a collaboration between EFSA and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment for the Netherlands (RIVM), these two assessments conclude, on a preliminary basis, that "consumer risk from dietary cumulative exposure is below the threshold that triggers regulatory action for all the population groups covered", says EFSA.
It will organise a special meeting with stakeholders on 22 October, at which scientists and external experts will present the results of the pilot assessments.
EU Regulation (EU) 396/2005 on maximum permitted limits for pesticide residues in food (MRLs) stipulates that the cumulative and synergistic effects of pesticides be taken into account in the safety assessment.
The latest EFSA report on pesticide residues showed that more than a quarter of the food consumed in Europe contains residues of two or more pesticides (see EUROPE 12289/10). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)