FSANZ reviews MRLs for blueberries and raspberries
The application will include new MRLs in the Food Standards Code for the fruits.
It was seeking to include MRLs for Azoxystrobin, Fenhexamid and Fludioxonil in frozen blueberries and Bifenthrin in raspberries.
Azoxystrobin has a MRL of 5mg/kg in blueberries, the same as Fenhexamid, while Fludioxonil has a limit of 2mg/kg.
Bifenthrin in raspberries has a MRL of 1mg/kg.
Daily estimates and intakes
The National Estimated Daily Intake (NEDI) represents an estimate of chronic dietary exposure from the whole diet for the general population aged two years and over, expressed in this table as a proportion of the relevant Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).
The dietary exposure estimates for Azoxystrobin in blueberries has a NEDI 29% of the ADI, Fenhexamid has a NEDI 7% of the ADI and Fludioxonil has a NEDI 34% of the ADI.
Bifenthrin for raspberries has a NEDI of 40% of the ADI.
Steve McCutcheon, FSANZ chief executive officer said they had looked at the dietary exposure of the Australian population to the chemicals and found that the proposed MRLs don’t present any public health and safety concerns.
“It’s not unusual for there to be differences in the agricultural chemicals used around the world because pests, climate and diseases differ from country to country.
“These MRL variations will harmonise the Code with international MRL standards and will allow continued year-round availability of imported blueberries and raspberries.
“These chemicals are already permitted for use in Australia for other commodities.
The closing date for submissions is 20 June 2013.
Processing aid rejection
Meanwhile, the agency has rejected the approval for a preparation of two bacteriophages (S16 and FO1a) (Salmonelex) as a processing aid to reduce Salmonella contamination in specific foods from Micreos Food Safety.
The application aimed to permit the use of a preparation of the two bacteriophages as a processing aid to reduce salmonella contamination of specified foods including raw poultry and meat.
Explaining their decision, FSANZ said: “Seeking permission for a new processing aid to a limited range of foods which requires pre-market approval. Requires an assessment of complex food technology and microbiological issues.”
