Risk assessment
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) verifies that this residue is safe for all European consumer groups, including vulnerable groups such as babies, children and vegetarians.
When a risk is established for any consumer group, the MRL application is rejected and the pesticide may not be used on that crop.
Setting MRLs
The Commission sets a new MRL and amends or removes an existing one after EFSA's opinion. The Commission adopts Regulations for the purpose.
Enforcement & control
The national authorities define how and when the pesticide may be used. That information is on the label of the pesticide.
Authorisations are granted on a national basis because local and environmental conditions and the occurrence of pests (therefore, use of pesticides) may differ.
Non-EU imported crops
For crops grown outside the EU, MRLs are set on the request of the exporting country.