EFSA reviews glyphosate residue levels
The maximum residue levels (MRLs) are set to ensure that consumers continue to be protected against excessive quantities of glyphosate in their diet. They are based on an analysis of all existing authorised uses of the herbicide in the EU.
Uncertainties resulting from gaps in the data submitted are indicated in the assessment (see the full Reasoned Opinion for details).
The review – covering all crops treated with glyphosate – includes a risk assessment which shows that current exposure levels are not expected to pose a risk to human health. For this assessment EFSA compared the diets of adults and children in the EU with the safe intake values that EFSA recommended in 2015.
Animal health
Data from the MRL review formed part of the evidence used in a second report, also published today, which assesses the potential impact on animal health of glyphosate residues in feed.
The assessment looked at all available information on the presence of glyphosate in feed, including imported feed. It concludes that glyphosate is not expected to have an impact on the health of cattle, sheep, pigs, horses and chickens.
Source: European Food Safety Authority