04/08/2020 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 3 August, a public consultation was launched by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on a draft statement regarding a framework for conducting the environmental exposure and risk assessment for transition metals when used as active substances in plant protection products (pesticides). The non-degradability of transition metals, the specific physico-chemical conditions affecting their behaviour and toxicity and their partially essential character are distinguishing features not covered by the current guidance, which has been developed for synthetic organic chemicals. Interested parties are invited to submit their comments in writing by 21 September. The contributions will be published and may be re-used by EFSA in another context, says the Authority. To read the draft declaration, please visit https://bit.ly/3k9uFJA and to participate in the public consultation, please visit https://bit.ly/33tmBxh (AN)