26 Apr 2010 --- Following information from food business operators on table grapes containing residues of the pesticide chlormequat, the European Commission has requested urgent scientific advice from EFSA on possible risks for public health. The use of the pesticide chlormequat is not permitted in the EU for use on grapes.

In a statement published, EFSA’s experts say that if the concentration of chlormequat on grapes does not exceed the threshold of 1.06 milligrams per kilogram, it is not likely to pose a short-term risk for public health. However, the experts say that children in those EU countries with the highest consumption levels of table grapes would be the most exposed group. If children were to eat, at one time, a large amount of grapes containing chlormequat at levels above 1.06 mg/kg, health risks could not be excluded. EFSA specified that acute symptoms would include irritation to mouth or throat, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and headache.

EFSA also specified that this threshold should not be understood as a recommendation for a change of the current Maximum Residue Level (MRL), as it is the result of a safety assessment for a specific case and has been provided only to support EU decision makers in managing possible consumer health risks.