JEC-JMPR

REPORT

JECFA/JMPR INFORMAL HARMONIZATION

MEETING

1-2 February 1999, Rome, Italy

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

and

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

Rome 1999

i

Table of Contents

Page

Summary 1

Report

1. Introduction 3

2. Discussion 3

2.1 Meat/Muscle/Fat 3

2.2 Milk 4

2.3 Eggs 5

2.4 Residue Definitions 5

2.5 Dietary Intake Estimation and Risk Assessment 6

3. Recommendation 7

Appendix 1: Discussion Documents

1. Definition of Food Commodity Muscle and Meat - Richard Ellis 11

2. Recommending MRL’s for Lipid Soluble Residues in Milk and Muscle

Tissue Based on Fat Content - Richard Ellis 13

3. JMPR Estimation of Pesticide Residue Dietary Intake – Denis Hamilton 16

4. Sampling and Fat – Alan Hill 26

Appendix 2: List of Participants 36

Appendix 3 Consideration by 1999 JMPR on the Recommendations Arising

from the JECFA /JMPR Harmonisation Meeting 39

1

Summary of the Informal JECFA/JMPR Harmonization Meeting

The Codex Committee on Residue of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF) at its 11

th

Session recommended a Harmonization Meeting on residue definitions and other issues relating

to the use of chemicals both as veterinary drugs and as pesticides because of the differences in

the evaluation processes by Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)

and Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) leading to different MRLs for the same

chemical.

The Meeting was held in Rome, Italy from 1-2 February 1999. Mr. Denis Hamilton,

Pricipal Scientific Officer, Animal and Plant Health Service Department of Primary Industries,

Brisbane, Australia, was appointed chairman of JECFA/JMPR Harmonization Meeting and Dr.

Jacques Boisseau, Director National Agency for Veterinary Medicine, Fougeres, France served

as the vice-chairman. Dr. Richard Ellis, Director, Scientific Research and Oversight, Office of

Public Health and Science, USDA, Washington D. C. and Dr. Stephen Funk, Health Effects

Division US-EPA Washington D. C. were the rapporteurs.

The main task of the meeting was to have informal exchange of information related to

the same chemical which is of interest to both parties, to come up with only one

recommendation on definitions of terms and MRL, used both as pesticide and as veterinary

drug, among others. Papers prepared by Dr. Richard Ellis, Mr. Denis Hamilton, and Dr. Alan

Hill were the bases of the deliberations.

It was recommended that JMPR/JECFA should continue to hold ad hoc meetings to

address issues of mutual interest and should consider the exchange of one panel member to

facilitate the harmonization of MRLs and risk assessment for substances used as veterinary drugs

and pesticides. The JMPR Secretary should attend part of the JECFA meeting and the JECFA

Secretary to attend the JMPR meeting. Ad hoc meetings to deal with specific issues prior to

JECFA or JMPR meeting should be conducted, if necessary.

The recommendations of the JECFA/JMPR Harmonization Meeting will be brought up

to the JECFA (Feb. 1999) and JMPR ( Sept. 1999).

3

Report of the Informal JECFA/JMPR Harmonization Meeting

FAO Headquarters, Rome, 1-2 February 1999

1. Introduction

Some chemicals are registered for use both as a pesticide and as a veterinary drug.

Pesticide residues may arise in animal commodities (meat, milk, and eggs) from the application

of the compound to animal feed items or from direct dermal treatment. Veterinary drug residues

may arise in animal commodities from the administration of the same compound to livestock.

Because of differences in the evaluation processes used by JECFA and JMPR, divergent MRLs

have sometimes resulted for the same chemical. The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues

(CCPR) at its 30

th

Session (1998) recommended that the JMPR and JECFA work to harmonize

the residue definitions, and the 11

th

Session (1998) of the Codex Committee on Residues of

Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF) recognized the harmonization problem and

recommended that the secretaries of JMPR and JECFA convene an informal meeting of experts

to address the issues (ALINORM 99/31).

Mr. Hamilton and Dr. Boisseau served as chair and co-chair, respectively. Drs. Ellis and

Funk served as rapporteurs. The participants of the JECFA/JMPR Harmonization Meeting are

given in Appendix II.

The Meeting based its deliberations on the following papers given in Appendix I:

1. Definition of Food Commodity Muscle and Meat, Richard Ellis.

2. Recommending MRL’s for Lipid Soluble Residues in Milk and Muscle Tissue

Based on Fat Content, Richard Ellis.

3. JMPR Estimation of Pesticide Residue Dietary Intake, Denis Hamilton.

4. Sampling and Fat, Alan Hill.

2. Discussion

2.1 Meat /Muscle/Fat

The commodity definitions and portions of commodities to which the Codex MRLs apply

were considered by the Meeting. Veterinary drug MRLs are established for “muscle” whereas

pesticide MRLs are established for “meat.” Meat is generally considered to be muscle plus

connective tissue and variable amounts of trimmable fat, but monitoring laboratories and some

national governments equate muscle to meat. The presence or absence of the trimmable fat in

the sample to be analyzed is particularly important when dealing with fat-soluble pesticides. It

was decided that the tissue “muscle” as defined by JECFA could be made equivalent to “meat”

as defined by JMPR if the sample preparation instructions for meat be specified ‘removal of the

trimmable fat’. This step eliminates any need to change definitions and only requires instructions

on sample preparation for analysis (portion of the commodity to which the MRL applies and

which is analyzed) both for studies on which MRLs are based and for monitoring and

enforcement work. For fat-soluble pesticides and veterinary drug residues the trimmable fat

would be analyzed on a lipid basis. This fat would be that referenced by the “JECFA fat MRL”

and the “JMPR meat (fat) MRL”. For non-fat soluble pesticides and veterinary drugs residues,

4

the muscle or the trimmed meat would be analyzed as referenced by the ‘JECFA muscle

MRL’ and the ‘JMPR meat MRL’.

It was noted that the ‘JMPR fat MRL’ refers to the fat commodity in international trade

(Volume 2, Codex Alimentarius). CCPR does not establish fat MRLs for fat-soluble pesticides.

The difference between JECFA fat (trimmable fat) and JMPR fat was viewed as a confusing

situation for those outside the process. For transparency, JECFA/CCRVDF ought to establish a

definition for fat (there is none in Volume 3 of Codex Alimentarius). Likewise, for sampling

purposes, CCPR should revise the term “fatty tissue” to “fat tissue.” Fatty tissue could contain

appreciable water or other components.

This approach has one fault i.e. there is no mechanism for handling processed

commodities, such as sausage, where fat content may be quite significant because fat analyses

are limited to trimmable fat (not extractable fat) in fresh or raw product,

Generally, pesticides do not present significant residues in meat per se. Veterinary drugs

can have substantial residues in muscle. For the non-fat soluble compounds, it was resolved that

meat with trimmable fat removed should be analyzed. This brings the ‘meat’ in line with the

‘muscle’. Again, commodity / tissue definitions need not be modified. The portion of the

commodity / tissue to which the MRL applies and which is analyzed needs to be specified.

The inclusiveness of muscle tissue was also discussed. Certain non-skeletal muscle

tissues may be included with offal. It was decided that muscle would not be limited to skeletal

muscle tissue, and that the MRLs for muscle would be inclusive, unless data for non-skeletal

tissues show the need for higher MRLs for the latter.

Where residue definitions agree but MRL magnitudes vary on a given commodity for use

as a pesticide versus use as a veterinary drug, the Meeting decided that the MRL of greater

magnitude should be recommended for both categories.

2.2 Milk

Currently, JECFA procedures designate the commodity to be analyzed as whole milk.

Processed milk products are not included under the JECFA guidelines. JMPR guidelines specify

the commodity to be analyzed as milk fat for fat-soluble pesticides and as whole milk for non-fat

soluble pesticides. Results are reported on a whole milk basis assuming a fat content of 4%. This

is the procedure both for establishing the MRL and for enforcement analyses.

The issue of introducing a variable fat content into the procedure (by JMPR) was discussed.

Milk fat content may vary from 3 to 6%, and in some regions herds of high milk fat producing

cows are maintained. As most fresh, liquid milks are blended, the 4% is a viable estimate for the

vast majority of situations. The Meeting decided to recommend analysis of the milk fat for fat-

soluble pesticides in milk and the use of 4% milk fat content to calculate the residue result on a

whole milk basis.

Concern was expressed that whole milk with a fat-soluble residue in excess of the MRL could be

processed into a low fat product (yogurt) that would not be in excess of the MRL if the nominal

5

4% is used. However, for enforcement or monitoring actions for milks or processed milk

products with fat contents significantly different from 4%, the MRL value can be adjusted

to accommodate the different measured fat contents. The measurement for the milk fat residue

in the yogurt would be adjusted to a whole product on the basis of the measured 0.5% milk fat,

not the nominal 4%.

In recommending MRLs for milk, JECFA uses ug/l, whereas JMPR uses mg/kg. For

consistency, it was agreed to convert the unit of all MRLs to mass basis (mg/kg). However, the

use of ug is preferred by JECFA and any change will be at JECFA’s discretion. The use of ug

does not imply additional precision, provided the number of significant figures are maintained,

e.g. 0.1 mg/kg has the same precision connotation as 100 ug/kg.

2.3 Eggs

The Meeting considered the current definition of the JECFA for egg commodity to be

analyzed as ambiguous: egg (in shell) of domesticated chickens (hens). This could be interpreted

to mean that the shell plus contents are to be analyzed. The shell conceivably could have

residues of environmental contaminants, and normally only the edible commodity is analyzed.

While the commodity to be sampled is egg in shell, the commodity to which the MRL applies

and which is to be analyzed is the contents of the shell.

Commodity definitions (Volume 2 and Volume 3 of Codex Alimentarius) were reviewed.

For CCRVDF, the egg commodity has been restricted to chickens (hens) only. The commodity

should be expanded to avian eggs. For CCPR, various commodity types are described (6 whole

chicken eggs, 24 whole quail eggs), but some types (e.g., ostrich) are missing, and a minimum

sample size (500 g) might better serve the commodity type description. CCRVDF commodity

descriptions exist for various processed meats (Class E, type 16 – 19), but MRLs are not

established for veterinary drugs in processed meats.

2.4 Residue Definitions

In defining the MRL marker residue (JECFA) or residue (JMPR), consideration is given

to the ability to analyze for the targeted residue components. Residue components amenable to

multi-residue methods are preferable to components that require specialized single analyte

methods. Also, exotic metabolites with no available reference standards are avoided.

The marker residue for the veterinary drug abamectin has been defined as abamectin B1a. The

residue definition for the pesticide abamectin has been defined as the sum of avermectin B

1a

,

avermectin B

1b

, and two photodegradation isomers. The generally used HPLC residue control

methods do not separate B

1a

and a photoisomer, although it was reported that methods are

available to separate the isomer from B

1a

. Avermectin B

1b

is a minor component of the residue,

and its elimination from the residue definition will be considered during the upcoming JMPR

periodic review. JECFA was requested to consider the addition of the photoisomers in the

6

marker residue definition, although photodegradation is not an issue for the veterinary

drug.There is no toxicology problem; both avermectinB

1a

and avermectin B

1b

are covered.

JECFA has recommended MRLs for cypermethrin and for alpha-cypermethrin. JMPR has

recommended MRLs for cypermethrin (sum of isomers). JECFA wishes to retain the separate

MRLs, although this violates the general principle of having only one definition for a

compound. Maintaining the isomer-specific MRL is an incentive to the registrant for producing

a purified drug product. Alpha-cypermethrin provides a distinct chromatography peak, whereas

the cypermethrin mixture yield several peaks, one of which co-elutes with alpha-cypermethrin.

When use as a veterinary drug, alpha-cypermethrin residues will yield a much larger

chromatographic response than the minor isomers from possible incorporation of cypemethrin

pesticide residues in the same commodity. Multiple chromatographic signal responses (peaks)

would be treated as cypermethrin. It was noted that alpha-cypermethrin and cypermethrin have

different ADI’s.

CCRVDF has recommended MRLs for both muscle and fat. This may be inappropriate, as

alpha-cypermethrin and cypermethrin are fat-soluble. Typically, MRLs would be recommended

only for fat. Under the present situation, laboratories could analyze both trimmable fat and

muscle (for National residue control or for international trade).

Residue definition differences are complex and unique to the particular pesticide/veterinary drug.

Harmonization must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

2.5 Dietary Intake Estimation and Risk Assessment

Dietary intake estimation and risk assessment procedures are quite different in JECFA and

JMPR. JECFA establishes MRLs based on clinical trials, with withdrawal periods established to

yield residues within acceptable limits relative to the ADI. The diet is extremely conservative,

with large portions of animal products, e.g., 300g meat per day and 1.5 liter (1.5kg) milk per day.

JECFA may have data available for typical residues in commodities, as opposed to upper bound

residues, and will supply the data to JMPR, as needed.

JMPR establishes MRLs based on field trials conducted under good agricultural practice.

Dietary chronic intake calculations are not made with the MRLs, however, they are based on the

STMRs (supervised field trial median residues). Additionally, diets are based on regional

compilations of actual food consumption and include the entire range of foods.

The extreme differences in dietary intake calculation methodologies may make data transfer

between JECFA and JMPR very difficult. The differences could result in conflicting

conclusions

on the safety of the pesticide/veterinary drug, based on the percent ADI consumed by the

different uses.

The process used by JMPR in arriving at MRLs and STMRs was explained in some detail, and

7

an example calculation spreadsheet for dietary exposure was reviewed. The transparency

of the

process, implemented by the 1998 JMPR, was appreciated. Prior to 1998, the JMPR simply

reported that a pesticide use did or did not exceed the ADI.

The FAO Manual on the Submission and Evaluation of Pesticide Residues Data for the

Estimation of Maximum Residue Levels in Food and Feed (1997) will be provided to the JECFA.

JECFA guidelines are in the draft stage, and copies of the finalized document will be presented

to JMPR. This will promote a better understanding of expert committee procedures.

For compounds that are used as veterinary drugs and pesticides, a mechanism is needed for

sharing risk assessment information between JECFA and JMPR. Although the estimation

methods are quite different and inconsistencies abound, the exchange of information will at least

provide JECFA and JMPR with information on the percent of ADI consumed by the pesticide

residue or veterinary drug residue, respectively. Several mechanisms were suggested.

The JMPR Secretary should attend a portion of the JECFA meeting, and the JECFA Secretary

should attend part of the JMPR meeting. They will have the responsibility of providing relevant

data and information to their respective expert panels.

It was also suggested that JMPR and JECFA could exchange one panel member each to facilitate

information exchange and harmonization. Work load and monetary constraints were mentioned

as negative factors for this proposal.

Finally, ad hoc meetings of the JECFA/JMPR Harmonization Work Group were suggested to

deal with specific issues. A suggested topic was the common mode of action for dietary intake

concerns. The meeting would be held immediately prior to a JECFA or JMPR meeting.

3. Recommendations

The Meeting addressed five topic areas: muscle versus meat; fat soluble residues; definition of

residues of pesticides with isomers like cypermethrin, abamectin, cyfluthrin, and others used for

agricultural and veterinary purposes; standardization of sampling procedures for animal and

agricultural products; harmonization of approaches for risk assessment. The recommendations

derived from those discussions are summarized below in four topic areas.

The recommendations are directed to CCRVDF/CCPR or JECFA/JMPR, as appropriate.

3.1 Tissue

1. For sampling purposes, CCPR should revise the term “fatty tissue” to “fat tissue” in the

definition of meat and fat in the Codex Classification of Food and Feed.

2. Clarification of the definition of muscle tissue (Volume 3 of Codex Alimentarius) is

needed to establish the portion of the commodity to which the MRL applies. Muscle

tissue (JECFA/CCRVDF) shall include interstitial fat and exclude trimmable fat. It is

8

recognized that other minor components, e.g., connective tissue, may be present in

muscle tissue. Muscle tissue includes skeletal muscle tissue and all other edible

muscle tissues. For muscle tissues other than skeletal muscle, the MRLs for skeletal muscle

tissue shall apply, unless studies show greater residues in the other types of tissue. Sponsors

may submit data for consideration for other muscle tissues, such as tongue, etc.

3. For the determination of fat-soluble pesticide/veterinary drug residues in meat/muscle for

enforcement or monitoring purposes, laboratories are advised to collect and to analyze

trimmable fat and to report the residue on a lipid basis, i.e., meat (fat) for JMPR and fat for

JECFA. For meat without trimmable fat, the entire commodity should be analyzed as

meat/muscle, but only where the MRL has been set on meat/muscle basis.

4. For the determination of non-fat soluble pesticides/veterinary drugs residues in meat/

muscle, laboratories are advised to analyze meat/muscle with trimmable fat removed, as

far as is practical.

5. Where JECFA and JMPR have recommended MRLs for the same chemical with the

same residue/marker residue definitions on the same commodity, the higher MRL shall

prevail.

6. CCRVDF should consider describing fat as the trimmable lipid-based tissue (eg.,

subcutaneous, perirenal, etc) from food producing animals.

3.2 Milk

7. For the determination of fat-soluble pesticide/veterinary drug residues in milk, the milk

fat portion of fresh milk should be analyzed, and the results should be expressed on a whole

milk basis using 4% as the nominal fat content.

8. For the determination of non-fat soluble pesticide/veterinary drug residues in milk,

laboratories should analyze the whole milk and should report residues on a whole milk basis.

9. JECFA should consider expressing MRLs for milk on a weight (kg) basis rather than the

current volume (l) basis.

3.3 Eggs

10. JECFA should specify that the portion of the raw commodity “egg” (in shell) to be

analyzed is the whole egg white and yolk combined after removal of the shell. The present

description suggests that shell is included in the commodity analyzed.

11. The description of eggs should not be limited to chicken, and sampling size should be a

minimum of 500 grams. CCRVDF and CCPR are invited to modify the appropriate sections

of Volumes 2 and 3 on sampling, accordingly.

9

12. CCRVDF stablishes MRLs on raw meat and poultry products only. CCRVDF

should consider deletion of the sampling guidelines for the processed products for

Class E (types 16 - 19).

3.4 Harmonization

13. The working group noted disparate residue definitions by CCPR and CCRVDF for

abamectin and recommended that CCRVDF/JECFA consider expansion of its residue

definition to include other isomers, such as the photodegradation isomer of B1a.

CCPR/JMPR should consider its need to include the various isomers as part of the periodic

review of abamectin.

14. Cypermethin and alpha-cypermethrin should remain as the marker residue definitions for

their use as veterinary drugs for cypermethrin and alpha-cypermethrin, respectively, and

cypermethrin (sum of isomers) should remain as the residue definition for the pesticide

cypermethrin. Guidance should be supplied to laboratories on the designation of the

measured residue as cypermethrin or alpha-cypermethrin based on the chromatography of the

test substance.

15. Harmonization efforts should be undertaken on a case-by-case basis where marker

residue definition/residue definition differences occur between JECFA and JMPR.

16. JECFA should review the apparent anomaly of MRLs for both fat and muscle for the fat-

soluble drugs alpha-cypermethrin and cypermethrin. JECFA should consider which sample

tissues are to be analyzed by the enforcement laboratory.

17. CCPR should amend the note explaining the “V” designation for MRLs. The present

description, “the MRL accommodates veterinary uses,” is confusing and should be amended

to “the MRL accommodates external animal treatments.”

18. For compounds that are common to both, JMPR and JECFA should use the more specific

animal commodity descriptions to enhance harmonization. For example, separate MRLs for

cattle muscle, goat muscle, horse muscle, pig muscle, and sheep muscle are preferable to

meat of cattle, horses, pigs and sheep.

19. Each expert panel needs a better understanding of the other’s procedures for food safety

assessments for estimating MRLs and dietary exposure, for example. JECFA will provide

JMPR its guidance document describing the JECFA evaluation procedures when the draft

version is finalized. The JMPR FAO Manual (1997) will be distributed to the JECFA

members at the February 1999 meeting.

20. The JECFA/JMPR Group acknowledged the very different approaches used for dietary

exposure determinations. JMPR will provide JECFA with detailed reports of its assessments,

dietary intake calculations and % ADI determinations for compounds of interest to JECFA.

When the data are available, JECFA will provide JMPR with median and upper limit animal

commodity residue values and dietary intake calculations/% ADI determinations for

compounds of interest to JMPR.

10

21. JECFA and JMPR should consider the exchange of one panel member each for a

portion of the expert panel meetings to facilitate the harmonization of MRLs and risk

assessment for substances used as veterinary drugs and pesticides.

22. The Joint Secretary for JMPR will attend the JECFA meeting, and the Joint Secretary for

JECFA will attend the JMPR meeting, particularly when MRLs and risk assessments of

substances used as veterinary drugs and as pesticides are being considered.

23. Joint meetings of JMPR and JECFA should be held on an ad hoc basis to address issues

of a mutual interest, for example, how to address MRL and ADI issues for classes of

compounds with common modes of action, e.g., organophosphorus compounds.

24. For compounds of mutual interest, JMPR and JECFA should have each other’s

recommendations/reports available when conducting evaluations. The Joint Secretaries will

have responsibility for obtaining and distributing the documents and information, as

appropriate.

11

APPENDIX I

DEFINITION OF FOOD COMMODITY MUSCLE AND MEAT

Richard Ellis

Traditionally, JMPR has recommended MRLs in meat and meat by-products when pesticide

residues in agricultural crops may result in residues in food animals. JECFA has recommended

MRLs in muscle, liver, kidney and fat individually and in milk and eggs, as appropriate, in food

producing animals where the substance has been used as a veterinary drug. Differences in

approaches used in recommending MRLs in muscle and meat have presented some

complications on a limited number of substances for the two expert committees (based upon the

approaches used by the respective expert committee) as well as CCPR and CCRVDF.

Codex definitions provide little guidance on muscle versus meat. For example, in Codex

Alimentarius, Volume 3 (1995), meat is defined as “the edible part of any mammal”. The

definition for muscle is “muscle tissue only”. One may imply that muscle is a portion of meat in

a food producing animal. This reference citation did not contain a definition for fat. Using the

United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 9,∍ 301), meat is defined as “the part of the

muscle of any cattle, sheep, swine, or goats, which is skeletal or which is found in the tongue, in

the diaphragm, in the heart, or in the esophagus, with or without the accompanying and

overlying fat, and the portions of bone, skin, sinew, nerve, and blood vessels which normally

accompany the muscle tissue and which are not separated from it in the process of dressing. It

does not include the muscle found in the lips, snout, or ears. This term as applied to products of

equines, shall have a meaning comparable to that provided in this paragraph with respect to

cattle, sheep, swine, and goats.”

Definitions for fat are not included in Codex Alimentarius, Volume 3. Similarly, there is no

definition for fat included in the United States Code of Federal Regulations, Title 9, ∍ 301 et seq.

The only definition in the CFR is found in CFR 21, ∍ 101, in the U.S. Food and Drug

Administration regulations on food labeling. That definition states that fat (total), is “A statement

of the number of grams of total fat in a serving defined as total lipid fatty acids and expressed as

triglycerides”. Lipid fatty acids identified in the definition include lauric, palmitic, and stearic

acids. However, in AOAC International, several analytical methods for fat are included in the

AOAC International Official Methods of Analysis. Some of the methods rely on heat rendering of

trimmed fat or fatty tissue, some rely on solvent extraction using organic solvents and some rely

on use of supercritical fluid carbon dioxide. Thus, there are at least three basic methods used for

providing a fat sample for residue analysis (as well as compositional analysis). Fortunately, the

differences in fat yields typically differ by less than 5 percent from each other. However, it would

be most appropriate to have an agreed upon definition of fat for purposes of Codex and its

accompanying expert committees.

The following table is provided for information to indicate the distribution of residues in tissues

for those substances used as a veterinary drug.

12

JECFA Residue Data on Compounds as Veterinary Drugs and Pesticide (µg/kg)

(Residues expressed as percent of residue marker in tissue)

Substance

Treament

Withraw

Time

Musce

Liver

Kidny

Fat

Abamecti

n

(cattle)

0.3 mg/kg

S.C.

20 days

3

(4.2)

30

(41.7)

9

(12.5)

30

(41.7)

Cyfluthrin

(cattle)

ca. 2

mg/kg

Dermal

5 @ 0.9

mg/kg

Dermal

14 days

2 days

(5

th

dose)

<10

(4.8)

10

(2.5)

<10

(4.8)

13

(6.5)

<10

(4.8)

17

(7.5)

90

(85.7)

165

(82.5)

Cyper-

methrin

(cattle)

(laying

hen)

ca. 0.4

mg/kg

Dermal

ca. 6

mg/kg

Spray

14 days

<10

(1.3)

(5.3)

18

(15)

<10

(1.3)

(5.3)

5

(4.2)

40

(10.5)

(21)

12

(10)

330

a

140

b

(86.8)

a

(73.7)

b

85

c

(70.8)

∀-Cyper-

methrin

(cattle)

ca. 0.1

mg/kg

Dermal

14 days

<10

(4.6)

(16.7)

<10

(4.6)

(16.7)

10

(9.3)

(33.3)

90

a

10

b

(81.8)

a

(33.3)

b

Footnotes: a) peritoneal fat; b) subcutaneous fat; c) skin residues 170-1300µg/kg.

Note that residue data for cypermethrin in sheep using dip or pour-on formulations were

summarized for omental, perirenal and subcutaneous fat only. Residues in muscle, liver and

kidney were not included in the FAO monograph (FNP No. 41/9), however, were indicated to be

less than the limit of quantification of the analytical methods in the studies using the dip

formulations.

13

RECOMMENDING MRL’s FOR LIPID SOLUBLE RESIDUES

IN MILK AND MUSCLE TISSUE BASED ON FAT CONTENT

Richard Ellis

I have chosen to start by making some assumptions and posing (for guidance) a list of questions.

Starting point assumptions:

1. The issue seems to be more one of compliance (e.g., member state national residue control

programmes). The principle Codex mission objectives are to establish standards to protect

public health and promote international trade of agricultural commodities. See discussion.

2. There should only be one MRL for the same commodity/substance pair regardless of

agricultural/animal health use (i.e., pesticide or veterinary drug). Extending that same

premise, there should only be one MRL for each matrix (i.e., fat) regardless of source.

3. Selection of the test sample may contribute to the issue. In particular, the Codex definition

for meat (Meat is the muscular tissue, including intramuscular fat and adhering fatty tissues

such as intermuscular and subcutaneous fat).

4. As a first approximation, residues are distributed equitably amongst differing fat depots in

animals.

5. JECFA, to the extent of available residue data, recommends MRLs on individual tissues

based on the distribution of residues in muscle, liver, kidney and fat based upon sponsor

recommended dosing and withdrawal period.

My assumptions and questions influence my comments noted below.

Some questions:

1. If we consider MRL’s for meat and milk on a fat basis, should we consider residues for these

substances in liver and kidney on the same basis?

2. Should there be a more comprehensive definition of fat (e.g., is fat described as free fatty

acid equivalents, heat rendered material from an aliquot of omental (or other) fat deposit or

fatty tissue, solvent extracted material, etc.)?

3. Should the Committee more clearly define meat and/or muscle tissue (e.g., does meat equate

to muscle tissue only or to muscle tissue with interstitial fat, or does it equate to muscle

tissue with interstitial and some adhering fat or some other entity?

4. If one designates an MRL for muscle as muscle MRL (fat basis), what or how would JECFA

set an MRL in the muscle tissue (on the protein, moisture and ash portion)?

Comments on the issue.

In the development of its procedures for recommending MRLs for substances used as veterinary

drugs in food producing animals, JECFA has indicated that MRLs in at least two tissues are

necessary – one for national residue control programmes and one for the commodities most often

14

employed in international trade. Regarding the latter, it is meat that is most often used in

trade and for this reason, at least one MRL should be recommended in muscle or fat. For

national residue control programmes, the marker residue in the target tissue ought to be used. In

most

instances the target tissue will be either liver or kidney, with the exception being the lipid soluble

substances used as either a veterinary drug or agricultural chemical (i.e., as a pesticide).

Regarding my first assumption, I include a quote from a 1994 CAC document (CX/PR 94/12).

“The fat solubility of many pesticides has given rise to problems in setting and enforcing MRL’s

and, therefore, to specific solutions in the regulation of their residues. The general problem is

that the residues are not evenly distributed in the animal tissues, but accumulate in the fat, so that

variations in the fat content of the animal as such, and of derived animal products, have a large

effect on the pesticide concentration in the product. When these effects are not accounted for in

the regulation of the residues, it may give rise to unjustified actions against products”. In

fairness, I note that the paper also states that “the solution was found in the CCPR, and that was

internationally accepted, was the expression of the residue on a fat basis, both for meat and for

milk”. This seems to address needs more for laboratory residue analysis for national authorities.

JECFA notes that MRLs in animal tissue at or below the recommended value provide assurance

that the ADI, the public health endpoint, will not be exceeded. JECFA, as noted above, does not

limit its assessment to an individual MRL in a single tissue.

If we desire to have a consistent approach of one MRL for the same commodity/substance pair,

we should consider having only one MRL for the matrix – in this case fat, regardless of its

source - whether it is adipose tissue or fat associated with muscle tissue. The argument might be

extended to liver and kidney also as they contain small amounts of fat as well as to milk. To do

so, we may be creating a pseudo default approach to MRL’s for lipid soluble analytes.

Potentially, this may require reassessment of a number of substances for consistent application of

a universal approach within Codex. In the assessment of substances used as pesticides and

veterinary drugs, JECFA has identified several examples of lipid soluble compounds under

consideration that distribute differently among the edible tissues – muscle, fat, liver and kidney

(references include FAO Food and Nutrition Papers 41/5, 41/8, 41/9 and 41/10).

Reviewing the USDA Agriculture Handbook No. 8 database, I was able to gather some useful

information to address the amount of fat in a muscle sample as well as liver and kidney percent

fat in poultry, pigs and cattle. Before addressing these data, it would be helpful to comment on

the third assumption on the selection of the test sample. I have reviewed sample receipt and

residue analysis procedures with our laboratory personnel and may be able to provide

photographs of what a muscle sample collected by USDA inspector’s looks like.

In general, the muscle-fat samples received by USDA laboratories from imported product

contain subcutaneous fat (from the adipose layer between the hide and carcass meat), whereas

samples from domestic product is typically perirenal fat – others may comment on the samples

collected in their national residue control programme. For perspective, a “fat” sample for

poultry is adipose tissue collected from the abdominal cavity.

15

The implications for preparing a sample for residue analysis are influenced by the composition

of the muscle and fat test samples. In USDA procedures, adipose fat samples are placed in a

vessel

over a bed of anhydrous sodium sulfate that allows liquid fat to drain from the sample as it is

processed. Typically, processing involves placing the test sample in a convection oven set at

80

o

C overnight. The residue analysis is performed from an aliquot of the rendered liquid fat

sample. Pesticide residues are reported on a fat basis. For a muscle tissue or “low fat” sample

consisting of less than approximately 10% fat, solvent extraction is used and the fat is

determined by gravimetric methods. However, solvent composition may, to a limited extent,

influence the extracted “fat” (in quotes because the solvent choice can influence whether or not

phospholipids, for example, are extracted as fat or equivalents of free fatty acids). This typically,

however, makes a small (<5%) difference in the yield of fat. This also indicates that extraction

of low fat meat samples is more labor intensive and an additional processing step that must be

carried out prior to performing the residue analysis. A realistic consequence is that fewer

analyses are possible given a fixed number of available analysts and other resources. This

provides some of the rationale on sample instructions to an inspector in an abattoir.

If one were to address the issue from a consumption of some fixed quantity of residue, then the

discussion that follows should be considered.

To address the composition of muscle tissue, data from the USDA Agriculture Handbook No. 8

was searched. The search examined species commonly addressed by the Committee and was

sorted as” lean muscle” and “muscle and fat” for a variety of different meat portions. (The data

were available for review at the 50

th

JECFA). What it shows, is that the average fat (lipid

content) in lean muscle (equated to interstitial fat) for horse is 4.60%; for lamb, 5.16%; chicken,

2.91%; pig, 6.07%; and for cattle, 6.08%. The grand average for all species is 4.97%. Thus,

there is not a big difference in the fat content of lean muscle across animal species (poultry may

be an exception). For the arguments below, I have used a value of 6.0% for interstitial fat in

muscle tissue. Though not provided, the average fat content used for milk is approximately 4 %.

For fat (lipid) composition in kidney and liver, data from the USDA Agriculture Handbook No. 8

indicates the following composition. For kidney, values for cattle, pigs and poultry are 3.1%,

3.3% and 4.2% (poultry giblets – kidney is not listed separately), respectively. For liver, values

for cattle, pigs and poultry are 3.9%, 3.7% and 4.0%, respectively.

If JECFA, JMPR or Codex in general, were to apply a constant value (as Φg or mg of residue,

for example) for all tissues, one can calculate a default ratio between MRL’s in muscle and milk

compared to the MRL in adipose tissue. Using the JECFA daily food intake for residues of

veterinary drugs in food, the ratios reported below take into account the food composition

factors, 300g muscle, 50g fat, and 1500ml milk. For fat/muscle the ratio is, 2.78; for fat/milk,

0.83; and for muscle/milk, 0.30. One can do the same calculations by food animal species.

Poultry would give noticeably different values. I do not support taking this approach. You may

draw your own conclusions – pro or con.

As the issue seems to be one more of addressing compliance by national authorities, then a

different approach ought to be considered. Though it is not an easy one, a refinement of the

16

definition of meat may be warranted. Second, it might be considered whether or not

providing

guidance for collection of “fat” and “muscle” tissues for residue analysis would be constructive.

The difficulty of course, is not in revising a definition or providing the sample collection

guidance. The difficulty will be on getting the revised definition and guidance (a new paradigm)

accepted by the necessary Codex Committees, in particular CCPR, CCRVDF and probably

CCMAS. Practical issues of adoption by national residue control authorities remain. I recognize

the implications will apply to a number of Codex commodities and standards as well. Thus, this

does not seem to be a fruitful exercise to pursue.

As to the original issue of reporting residues of lipid soluble material on a fat basis in muscle and

milk, this document in the eyes of most may not provide enough constructive guidance. I agree,

and do not have a “best” solution to recommend that pleases me. Rather, my expectation is that

this paper will stimulate a thorough discussion upon which Codex expert committees might draft

a document that reflects a consensus approach on recommending MRLs for lipid soluble residues

in muscle and milk for those substances that are used as a pesticide in agricultural practice and a

veterinary drug for animal health purposes.

We must keep in mind our responsibility to provide the best expert guidance for public health

purposes and facilitating international trade – the primary Codex mission.

17

JMPR ESTIMATION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUE DIETARY INTAKE

Denis Hamilton

Introduction

Reconciling dietary intakes of residue likely to occur in practice and acceptable intakes derived

from toxicology studies is known as the risk assessment process. Dietary intake estimation of

pesticide residues has progressed rapidly in recent years.

WHO, in 1989, issued a publication

1

, “Guidelines for predicting dietary intake of pesticide

residues” based on the recommendations of an expert consultation in 1987. These guidelines

relied heavily on the TMDI (Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake), with calculations based on

MRLs and subsequent stepwise refinements. The guidelines were useful in many cases, but their

limitations also became apparent.

WHO issued revised guidelines

2

in 1997 based on the recommendations of an expert

consultation

3

in 1995. The guidelines were further developed into practical procedures for

evaluating pesticide residues data and were included as Chapter 6, “Estimation of residue levels

for calculation of dietary intake of pesticide residues” of the FAO Manual

4

.

The revised guidelines emphasise the best use of available data. The guidelines focus mainly on

pre-registration data, but recognise that, where available, total diet studies or other measured

estimates of pesticide residue intake are more accurate records of dietary intake than calculated

intakes, but are expensive and results are available only for some pesticides in some countries.

Data requirements

The FAO Panel of the JMPR has outlined its data requirements in Chapter 3 of the FAO

Manual

4

. Briefly, the data requirements for a new compound or a periodic review compound (an

old compound being revised to modern standards) are as follows. The data requirements are

quite different for pesticides which are no longer used but have become environmental

contaminants, which will not be discussed further in this paper.

Identity

♦ names, formulae.

Physical and chemical properties

♦ properties of pure active ingredient and technical material

Formulations

♦ commercially available formulations

Metabolism and environmental fate

♦ farm animal metabolism

♦ plant metabolism

♦ environmental fate in soil and in water/sediment systems (metabolism in soil,

mobility, hydrolysis, photolysis, residues in rotational crops.)

Methods of residue analysis

♦ methods used in supervised trials and environmental fate studies

♦ enforcement methods

♦ freezer storage stability studies

Use pattern

18

♦ complete and current registered uses (GAP, Good Agricultural Practices).

Residues resulting from supervised trials

♦ residue trials for crops, feeds and post-harvest commodity treatments

♦ external animal treatments

♦ farm animal feeding studies

Fate of residues in storage and processing

♦ changes in the nature of the residue during processing and levels occurring in

processed commodities

Residues in food in commerce and consumption

♦ monitoring data, market basket studies.

National maximum residue limits

Residue definition

The residue definition established for MRL enforcement purposes may not necessarily be the ideal

definition for dietary intake assessment.

For dietary intake purposes it is desirable to include metabolites which have similar toxicity

properties to the parent.

For enforcement purposes (testing of food consignments for compliance with MRLs) it is not

desirable to include metabolites if they are present as only a minor part of the residue, or if present

in a relatively constant ratio to the parent. Monitoring for additional compounds only adds to the

cost of analysis and standards for metabolites are not always readily available.

The JMPR considers many factors before proposing residue definitions (Chapter 5.3 of FAO

Manual

4

).

h composition of the residues in animal and plant metabolism studies

h toxicological properties of metabolites and degradation products

h nature of the residues in the supervised residue trials

h fat solubility

h practicality of regulatory analytical methods

h whether metabolites or analytes are common to other pesticides

h whether a metabolite of one pesticide is registered for use as another pesticide.

We should note that the dietary intake residue definition is not necessarily the same as the

residue definition suitable for monitoring compliance with GAP.

JMPR, in the residue definition section of the residue monographs, explains the basis for residue

definitions and includes an explicit statement of residue definitions in the recommendations for

each compound.

Examples of residue definition from 1998 JMPR.

Disulfoton.Definition of the residue

for compliance with the MRL and for estimation of the dietary intake: sum of

disulfoton, demeton-S and their sulfoxides and sulfones expressed as disulfoton.

Quintozene. Definition of the residue

for compliance with the MRL for plant commodities: quintozene.

for compliance with the MRL for animal commodities: sum of quintozene,

pentachloroaniline and methyl pentachlorophenyl sulfide, expressed as quintozene.

for estimation of the dietary intake for plant and animal commodities: sum of quintozene,

pentachloroaniline and methyl pentachlorophenyl sulfide, expressed a quintozene.

19

Supervised residue trials and estimation of STMRs

Supervised residue trials are defined as scientific studies in which pesticides are applied to crops

or animals according to specified conditions intended to reflect commercial practice after which

harvested crops or tissues of slaughtered animals are analysed for pesticide residues. Usually

specified conditions are those which approximate existing or proposed GAP

4

.

The JMPR estimates MRLs on commodities from supervised residue trials where conditions

match GAP. The MRLs are usually expressed on the whole commodity of trade, but the precise

description of commodity and the portion to be analysed are described in the Codex

Classification of Foods and Animal Feeds

5

.

If the whole commodity corresponds with the edible portion and the residue definitions for MRL

enforcement and dietary intake are identical the same set of residue data can be used to estimate

the STMR.

The supervised trials median residue

4

is the expected residue level in the edible portion of a food

commodity when a pesticide has been used according to maximum GAP conditions. The STMR

is estimated as the median of the residue values (one from each trial) from supervised trials

conducted according to maximum GAP conditions.

Additional data are needed from the trials if the dietary intake definition or the edible portion of

commodity do not match those relevant to the MRL.

An example of an evaluation for abamectin is given in Annex 1.

Primary feed commodities and animal commodities

MRLs and STMRs for primary feed commodities are established in the same way as for food

commodities except that they are expressed on a dry weight basis.

The 1997 JMPR

6

explained the current procedures for estimating MRLs and STMRs for animal

commodities from the farm animal feeding studies and the expected residues in primary feed

commodities. The procedures were summarised in a table.

Residue reaches plateau rapidly

Residue reaches plateau slowly

Max residue level

STMR

Max residue

level

STMR

Feed item residue level

MRL

STMR

Feed incorporation rates

maximum

Feeding study residue level 1/

highest

mean

highest

mean

1/ highest residue level in the tissue of an individual animal or mean residue level in the specific tissue of

animals in the relevant dosing group.

Fate of residues in food processing

Processing studies provide information on the nature and levels of residues in processed food

which may result from residues in primary food commodities. In typical cases the studies

provide

a processing factor (residue level in processed commodity ÷ residue level in primary

20

commodity).

JMPR then calculates an STMR-P (STMR for a processed food) by multiplying the STMR

by the processing factor.

Diets used in chronic intake assessment

JMPR uses the Food Balance Sheet data compiled by FAO and recently published by WHO

7

.

Data are available for most primary food commodities and some processed commodities for 5

regional diets – Middle Eastern, Far Eastern, African, Latin American and European.

Acute intake

JMPR has established, for a number of pesticides, acute reference doses suitable for checking

short term exposure of residues.

Beginning in 1999 JMPR will estimate residue levels suitable for acute dietary exposure

estimation. These levels will be equivalent to the highest residue in the edible portion for most

commodities, or the highest residue multiplied by a variability factor (  10) for commodities

such as apples or carrots typically consumed as a single unit rather than as the average of a

commodity consignment or lot.

Large portion size and 97.5

th

percentile diet information are being compiled by WHO and will be

combined with the residue levels described above to calculate acute intake for comparison with

the acute reference dose.

Conclusions

The 1998 JMPR introduced a new section into the report for each compound, Dietary Risk

Assessment, which included a clear statement on the estimated intake for the 5 regional diets.

Estimated intakes (and MRLs) are derived through a transparent procedure and are traceable in

JMPR Evaluations through processing and supervised trials data summaries back to GAP. The

time and effort now required for JMPR evaluation of chronic intake of residues have increased

considerably but generally the assessments are more realistic and convincing.

Concern with acute intakes has arisen recently but the methodology for assessing acute intake is

still in the development phase. JMPR will make the first formal assessment of acute intakes in

1999.

21

References

1. WHO. 1989. Guidelines for Predicting Dietary Intake of Pesticide Residues.

2. WHO. 1997. Guidelines for Predicting Dietary Intake of Pesticide Residues (revised),

WHO/FSF/FOS/97.7.

3. WHO. 1995. Recommendations for the revision of the guidelines for predicting dietary

intake of pesticide residues. Report of a FAO/WHO Consultation. WHO/FNU/FOS/95.11.

4. FAO. 1997. FAO manual on the submission and evaluation of pesticide residues data for

the estimation of maximum residue levels in food and feed. D/W5998E/1/9.97/500.

5. FAO, WHO. 1993. Codex Alimentarius. Pesticide Residues in Food. Second Edition.

6. JMPR Report. 1997. The estimation of maximum residue and STMR levels for products of

animal origin when residues are transferred from feed items. FAO Plant Production and

Protection paper 145. Chapter 2.4.

7. WHO. 1998. GEMS/Food Regional Diets. WHO/FSF/FOS/98.3

Example: Evaluation of abamectin residues on apples (1997 JMPR)

Residue definition (for MRL enforcement and dietary intake)

Sum of avermectin B

1a

, avermectin B

1b

, 8,9-Z avermectin B

1a

and 8,9-Z avermectin B

1b

.

Method of adding residue components

The B

1b

component, when its residues were measurable, was consistently around 10% or less of the total

residue. For the purposes of evaluation, when B

1a

was positively detected in a trial and B

1b

was not

detectable the total residue is calculated taking the not detectable residue as zero.

When both components in a trial were not detectable (ND) the total residue is taken as <limit of detection.

A residue reported as NQ (not quantitated, detected but <LOQ) is treated as equal to the LOQ when it is

to be added to a measurable residue.

The method of calculating the total residue for various situations is illustrated by example:

B

1a

B

1b

Total residue

0.01

3

NQ (>0.001 but <0.002)

0.015

0.00

6

ND (<0.001)

0.006

NQ

ND

<0.002

ND

<0.001

Evaluation of supervised trials (Registered uses in Table 1, trial summaries in Table 2 and

interpretations in Table 3)

22

Abamectin is registered for a single application on apples in Australia at 0.014 kg ai/ha with

harvest after an interval of 14 days. In 3 trials corresponding to this use pattern the

abamectin residues were <0.002, 0.003 and 0.005 mg/kg.

Abamectin is permitted for use on pome fruit in New Zealand with 1 application at 0.027 kg ai/ha

and a PHI of 14 days. Abamectin residue levels on apples were 0.004 and 0.007 mg/kg in 2 New

Zealand trials where GAP was followed except 2 applications were made instead of 1.

Abamectin is registered in the USA for 2 applications on apples at a rate of 0.026 kg ai/ha and

harvest 28 days after the final application. In 14 US trials corresponding to these conditions

abamectin residues in rank order (median underlined) were: <0.001 (2), <0.002 (3), 0.002, 0.003

(4), 0.004, 0.006, 0.007 and 0.012 mg/kg.

The residue data from Australia, New Zealand and USA appear to be one population and can

therefore be combined. Residues of abamectin for apples in rank order in the 19 trials (median

underlined) are: <0.001 (2), <0.002 (4), 0.002, 0.003 (5), 0.004 (2), 0.005, 0.006, 0.007 (2) and

0.012 mg/kg.

The JMPR estimated a maximum residue level of 0.02 mg/kg and an STMR level of 0.003 mg/kg

for abamectin in apples.

A similar process was followed for other commodities reviewed in 1997. No STMRs were

available for commodities reviewed at previous meetings (1992 and 1994) so the MRLs were

used instead. A compilation of the intake calculations is shown in Table 4.

Table 1. Registered or approved uses of abamectin on apples.

Application

Crop

Country

Form

Method

Rate,

kg ai/ha

Spray conc.,

kg ai/hl

Number

PHI,

days

Apple

Australia

EC

foliar

0.014

0.0014

1

14

Apple

USA

EC

foliar

0.013-0.026

0.00035-0.00070

2 or 4

28

Pome fruit

New Zealand

EC

foliar HV

0.027

0.00068

1

14

Table 2. Abamectin residues in apples resulting from foliar application in supervised trials in

Australia, New Zealand and USA. Residues from replicate sub-plots are recorded individually.

Double-underlined residues are from treatments according to GAP and are valid data for MRL

and STMR estimation.

APPLE,

country, year

Application

PHI,

days

Residues, mg/kg 1/

Ref

(variety)

Form

kg

ai/ha

kg ai/hl

no.

B

1a

+ 8,9-Z B

1a

B

1b

+ 8,9-Z B

1b

Australia

(NSW), 1995

(Granny Smith)

EC

0.014

+ oil

0.0008

1

0

14

21

0.015 0.015

0.003 0.002

NQ NQ

ND ND

114-95-

0001R

Australia (Tas),

1995 (Red

Delicious)

EC

0.014

+ oil

0.0007

1

0

14

21

0.013 0.012

0.005 0.002

0.002 0.004

NQ NQ

ND ND

114-95-

0003R

23

APPLE,

country, year

Application

PHI,

days

Residues, mg/kg 1/

Ref

(variety)

Form

kg

ai/ha

kg ai/hl

no.

B

1a

+ 8,9-Z B

1a

B

1b

+ 8,9-Z B

1b

Australia (Vic),

1995 (Fuji)

EC

0.014

+ oil

0.0007

1

0

14

21

0.009 0.007

ND NQ

ND ND

114-95-

0002R

New Zealand,

1994 (Braeburn)

EC

0.027

+oil

0.0014

2

0

7

14

21

28

35

0.014 0.018

0.012 0.005

0.003 0.004

0.002 ND

0.003 ND

NQ 0.002

ND NQ

ND ND

115-94-

0005R

New Zealand,

1994 (Gala)

EC

0.027

+oil?

0.0014

2

0

7

14

21

28

35

0.018 0.019?

0.006 0.006

0.007 0.003

0.003 ND c 0.005

0.003 0.004

NQ 0.003

0.002 0.002

ND ND

ND ND c ND

ND ND

115-94-

0004R

USA (CA), 1991

(Golden

Delicious)

EC

0.027

+oil

0.0038

2

0

28

0.019 0.020

0.010 0.008

0.003 0.003

NQ ND

001-91-

6016R

618-936-AP

USA (CA), 1991

(Granny Smith)

EC

0.027

+oil

0.0010

2

0

28

0.009 0.010

ND ND

ND NQ

ND ND

001-91-

6024R

618-936-AP

USA (GA),

1992 (Red

Delicious)

EC

0.027

+oil

0.0072

2

0

28

0.047 0.045

ND NQ

0.006 0.005

ND ND

001-92-

0027R

618-936-AP

USA (MI), 1990

(Golden

Delicious)

EC

0.028

+oil

0.0010

2

0

3

7

14

28

45

0.011 0.042 0.026 0.091

0.010 0.010 0.008 0.006

0.009 0.010 0.010 0.006

0.005 0.005 0.010 0.005

0.004 0.006 0.003 0.003

0.004 0.006 0.006 0.005

ND 0.005 0.004 ND

NQ (4)

NQ NQ NQ ND

ND ND NQ NQ

ND ND NQ ND

ND (4)

001-90-

5018R

618-936-AP

USA (MI), 1990

(Golden

Delicious)

EC

0.056

+oil

0.0020

2

0

3

7

14

28

45

0.049 0.031 0.040 0.033

0.020 0.011 0.018 0.012

0.011 0.009 0.021 0.016

0.013 0.006 0.008 0.006

0.005 0.009 0.004 0.004

0.004 0.004 0.004 0.004

0.008 0.006 0.006 0.007

0.003 NQ 0.003 NQ

NQ NQ 0.003 NQ

NQ ND ND ND

ND (4)

001-90-

5018R

618-936-AP

USA (MI), 1991

(Jonathan)

EC

0.027

+oil

0.0036

2

1

7

14

28

0.008 0.008

0.002 0.003

NQ NQ

NQ 0.002

ND ND

001-91-

1024R

618-936-AP

24

APPLE,

country, year

Application

PHI,

days

Residues, mg/kg 1/

Ref

(variety)

Form

kg

ai/ha

kg ai/hl

no.

B

1a

+ 8,9-Z B

1a

B

1b

+ 8,9-Z B

1b

USA (NC), 1992

(Red Delicious)

EC

0.026

+oil

0.0071

2

0

28

0.031 0.027

0.003 NQ

0.003 0.003

ND ND

001-92-

0026R

618-936-AP

USA (NY),

1990 (Twenty

Ounce)

EC

0.028

+oil

0.0007

2

0

3

7

14

28

0.011 0.012 0.030 0.018

NQ 0.004 0.011 0.012

0.002 0.003 0.004 0.005

0.002 NQ 0.003 0.002

ND NQ 0.003 NQ

0.002 0.002 0.004 0.003

ND ND NQ NQ

ND (4)

001-90-

5016R

618-936-AP

USA (NY),

1990 (Twenty

Ounce)

EC

0.056

+oil

0.0015

2

0

3

7

14

28

0.033 0.028 0.028 0.035

0.062 0.011 0.016 0.009

0.015 0.007 0.003 0.008

0.003 0.002 0.003 0.004

0.002 NQ 0.003 0.003

0.004 0.004 0.004 0.005

0.009 NQ NQ NQ

0.003 NQ ND NQ

ND (4)

001-90-

5016R

618-936-AP

USA (NY),

1991 (Red

Delicious)

EC

0.027

+oil

0.0038

2

0

7

14

28

0.040 0.037

0.008 0.008

0.011 0.011

0.007 0.007

0.004 0.004

ND NQ

NQ NQ

ND ND

001-91-

3000R

618-936-AP

USA (NY),

1992 (Rome

Beauty)

EC

0.027

+oil

0.0072

2

0

28

0.020 0.020

NQ 0.004

0.002 0.003

ND ND

001-92-

3020R

618-936-AP

USA (OR), 1992

(Golden

Delicious)

EC

0.027

+oil

0.0008

2

0

28

0.022 0.017

0.003 ND

0.003 NQ

ND ND

001-92-

6012R

618-936-AP

USA (OR), 1992

(Red Delicious)

EC

0.027

+oil

0.0081

2

0

28

0.009 0.016

ND ND

ND NQ

ND ND

001-92-

1014R

618-936-AP

USA (WA),

1991 (Red

Delicious)

EC

0.027

+oil

0.0011

2

0

28

0.012 0.010

ND NQ

NQ NQ

ND ND

001-91-

1021R

618-936-AP

USA (WA),

1991 (Red

Delicious)

EC

0.026

+oil

0.0037

2

0

7

14

28

0.021 0.027

0.008 0.005

0.007 0.004

0.002 0.003

NQ 0.003

ND ND

001-91-

1023R

618-936-AP

USA (WA),

1992 (Red

Delicious)

EC

0.027

+oil

0.0072

2

0

28

0.018 0.019

NQ ND

0.002 NQ

ND ND

001-92-

1018R

618-936-AP

1/ NQ: not quantitated; detected but <0.002 mg/kg.

ND: not detected, <0.001 mg/kg.

25

Table 3. Interpretation table for abamectin residues on apples from trials in Table 2. GAP

and trial conditions are compared for treatments considered valid for MRL and STMR

estimation.

APPLE

Use pattern

Trials

Residues, mg/kg

kg ai/ha

kg ai/hl

No of

applics

PHI

days

abamectin

Australia GAP

0.014

0.0014

1

14

Australia trial

0.014

0.0007

1

14

114-95-0003R

0.005

Australia trial

0.014

0.0007

1

14

114-95-0002R

<0.002

Australia trial

0.014

0.0008

1

14

114-95-0001R

0.003

NZ GAP

0.027

0.00068

1

14

NZ trial

0.027

0.0014

2

14

115-94-0005R

0.004

NZ trial

0.027

0.0014

2

14

115-94-0004R

0.007

USA GAP

0.026

0.0007

2

28

USA trial

0.028

0.0007

2

28

001-90-5016R

0.003

USA trial

0.027

0.0008

2

28

001-92-6012R

0.003

USA trial

0.027

0.0010

2

28

001-91-6024R

<0.001

USA trial

0.028

0.0010

2

28

001-90-5018R

0.006

USA trial

0.027

0.0011

2

28

001-91-1021R

<0.002

USA trial

0.027

0.0036

2

28

001-91-1024R

0.002

USA trial

0.027

0.0037

2

28

001-91-1023R

0.003

USA trial

0.027

0.0038

2

28

001-91-6016R

0.012

USA trial

0.027

0.0038

2

28

001-91-3000R

0.007

USA trial

0.026

0.0071

2

28

001-92-0026R

0.003

USA trial

0.027

0.0072

2

28

001-92-0027R

<0.002

USA trial

0.027

0.0072

2

28

001-92-3020R

0.004

USA trial

0.027

0.0072

2

28

001-92-1018R

<0.002

USA trial

0.027

0.0081

2

28

001-92-1014R

<0.001

26

Table 4. Abamectin estimated dietary intake. STMRs (supervised trials median residues) are

available for 12 commodities, with the MRLs being used for the remaining 12. Total intake

(µg/day) = sum of calculated intakes for each commodity. %ADI = total intake expressed as % of 60

 ADI. Standard body weight is taken as 60 kg.

mg/kg

Diet, g/day

estimated dietary intake, µg/day

Code

Commodity

MRL

STMR

(or MRL)

ME

FE

Afr

Lat Am

Eur

ME

FE

Afr

Lat Am

Eur

e

f

g

h

i

j

= e  f

= e  g

= e  h

= e  i

= e  j

TN 0660

Almonds

0.01*

0

0.5

0

0.1

1.8

0

FP 0226

Apple

0.02

0.003

7.5

4.7

0.3

5.5

40

0.023

0.014

0.001

0.017

0.120

MF 0812

Cattle fat

0.01 V

0.01

0.3

1.5

0

0.003

0.015

0

MO 1280

Cattle kidney

0.05 V

0.05

0.1

0

0.1

0.2

0.005

0

0.005

0.010

MO 1281

Cattle liver

0.1 V

0.1

0.2

0

0.1

0.3

0.4

0.020

0

0.010

0.030

0.040

MM 0812

Cattle meat

0.01*

0.01

18.5

3.5

10.4

30

63.3

0.185

0.035

0.104

0.300

0.633

ML 0812

Cattle milk

0.005

79.5

23.2

35.8

159.3

287.0

0.398

0.116

0.179

0.797

1.435

FC 0001

Citrus fruits

0.01*

0.01

54.3

6.3

5.1

54.8

49

0.543

0.063

0.051

0.548

0.490

SO 0691

Cotton seed

0.01*

0.01

0

VC 0424

Cucumber

0.01

0.005

4.8

4.5

0

8.3

9

0.024

0.023

0

0.042

0.045

MM 0814

Goat meat

0.01*

0.01

2

0.7

2.3

0.8

0.3

0.02

0.007

0.023

0.008

0.003

ML 0814

Goat milk

0.005*

0.005

14

0.7

3.6

0.8

2.3

0.070

0.004

0.018

0.004

0.012

MO 0814

Goat, Edible offal of

0.1

0.3

0

0.4

0

0.030

0

0.040

0

DH 1100

Hops, Dry

0.1

0.016

0

VL 0483

Lettuce, Leaf

0.05

0.02

2.3

0

5.8

22.5

0.046

0

0.116

0.450

VC 0046

Melons, except watermelon

0.01*

0.002

16

2

0

2.8

18.3

0.032

0.004

0

0.006

0.037

FP 0230

Pear

0.02

0.005

3.3

2.8

0

1

11.3

0.017

0.014

0

0.005

0.057

VO 0445

Peppers, Sweet

0.02

3.3

2

5.3

2.3

10.3

0.066

0.040

0.106

0.046

0.206

VR 0589

Potato

0.01*

0

59

19.2

20.6

40.8

240.8

0

VC 0431

Squash, Summer

0.01*

0.002

10.5

2.2

0

14

3.5

0.021

0.004

0

0.028

0.007

FB 0275

Strawberry

0.02

0

5.3

0

0.106

VO 0448

Tomato

0.02

0.0085

81.5

7

16.5

25.5

66

0.693

0.060

0.140

0.217

0.561

TN 0678

Walnuts

0.01*

0

0.5

0

VC 0432

Watermelon

0.01*

0.002

49.3

9.5

0

5.5

7.8

0.099

0.019

0

0.011

0.0156

Total (µg/day) =

2.29

0.41

0.68

2.20

4.23

ADI = 0.002 mg/kg bw or 0.12 mg/person

2% ADI

0% ADI

1% ADI

2% ADI

4% ADI

ME: Middle Eastern diet. FE: Far Eastern diet. Afr: African diet. Lat Am; Latin American diet.

Eur: European diet

* MRL set at or about analytical limit of determination

V: MRL is based on a direct animal treatment.

27

SAMPLING AND FAT

Alan Hill

In principle, sampling of animal tissues should be relatively straightforward because the various

organs or parts should be easily defined. However, uneven distribution of fat within an animal

creates problems, especially for fat-soluble residues. Measurement of these residues on a fat

basis provides one solution to the sampling dilemma but doesn’t resolve all problems involved in

controlling residues in traded food. So, provision of unambiguous instructions for sampling is

actually rather difficult.

Following sampling, where the sample preparation (removal of bones, skin, etc.) and processing

(“homogenisation”) procedures, used in the development of an MRL, differ from the procedures

adopted for monitoring and enforcement, the results are not likely to be comparable. Thus, as in

the case of sampling, these procedures must also be described clearly.

Present recommendations for sampling animal products, and those proposed by CCPR, are

summarised in Tables 1 and 2. Existing CCPR and CCRVDF recommendations are virtually

identical and most of the recommendations proposed by CCPR are unlikely to affect measured

residues, significantly.

The problems of fat are common to all sampling recommendations: fat is not well defined; it is

often heterogeneously distributed within a commodity; and slightly illogical assumptions may be

made in calculating residue levels from a fat basis. At its 30th session

1

CCPR proposed that

MRLs for fat soluble pesticides in meat should apply to the “lipid portion” of the fat from any

part of the animal.

Data provided by Australia in 1998 showed that residue distributions within different fatty

tissues cut from a single animal could be expected to vary by a factor of 2 or so (an extreme case

produced a factor of 5). The range of variation may have been larger or smaller if residue

concentrations had been based on whole fatty tissues, because of “dilution” with non-lipid

material. Fatty tissues are not 100% lipid material and the proportion of lipid may vary

considerably. Up to 50% water and other fat insolubles may be present, especially as it may not

be possible to obtain a sample of “pure” fatty tissue. In residues monitoring, lipid extraction

may be by rendering or using solvents but determination of the “true” fat content requires a

separate and potentially costly analysis. But MRLs for “fat” and for fat-soluble pesticides apply

to the whole of the fatty tissue sample, not just the extracted lipid.

Actually, data evaluated by JMPR are rarely given in sufficient detail to distinguish the exact

basis for expression of the results (comment from D J Hamilton, 1998), so there is clearly

potential for monitoring and enforcement to be conducted on a different basis to that used to

develop the MRL.

What if fatty tissues are not available for analysis? Where this is taken into account in deriving

the MRL (e.g. rabbit), and there is no likelihood of a different approach for monitoring, there is

no problem. However, in response to increasing consumer demand for leaner meat products,

there is an increasing trend for much fat to be removed at some point in the trade. In this case,

28

the monitoring laboratory has no option but to extract the fat. Converting results for such

products to a “whole fat” basis is impossible and an assumption is generally made that interstitial

and adhering fats contain similar residue levels. There does not appear to be much evidence to

support or refute this assumption.

Present Codex recommendations for low fat products produce some anomalies in the calculation

of residue levels, if the original MRLs were not derived on the same basis.

Group 31 fat of small animals (CCPR and CCRVDF, see Table 2). “Where adhering fat

is insufficient to provide a suitable sample, the whole commodity, without bone, is

analysed and the MRL applies to the whole commodity”. This is most likely to apply to

meat or carcasses bearing less than 10% fat but, if the MRL has the same basis, there is

no problem. However, if the sample is analysed on the “opposite basis” to that used to

derive the MRL, an error of more than a factor of 10 could be made. Fortunately, this

situation should be rare.

Group 30 mammalian meats (CCPR, see Table 1). “Where adhering fat is insufficient to

provide a suitable sample, the whole commodity, without bone, is analysed and the MRL

applies to the whole commodity (e.g. rabbit meat)”. Now that leaner meats are frequently

traded, this clause appears to include them, but the MRLs will have been derived on a fat

basis and so products could appear to comply with MRLs, when in fact they do not.

Groups 90 and 92 milk products (CCPR

2

). “Where the fat content is less than 2%, the

MRL should be half that specified for milk but the MRL for those with a fat content of

2% or more should be 25 times the MRL specified for milk, on a fat basis. This assumes

that milk contains 4% fat. A product containing less than 2% fat (say 1%) but made from

“non-compliant” milk may thus comply with the MRL. Where an MRL is set on milk

containing more or less than 4% fat (or alternatively where a product is made from such a

milk), compliance/non-compliance may be determined incorrectly because the

conversion factor is large.

In the UK, monitoring of fat soluble residues in animal products at slaughter is based on analysis

of perirenal fat and the results are expressed on a whole product basis. Monitoring of fat soluble

pesticide residues in imported and home-produced animal products at the retail and wholesale

level is based on solvent-extracted fat. In this case, results are expressed an extracted fat basis

for products with ≥10% fat, or on a whole product basis for products of <10% fat.

Apart from fat, there are other anomalies in the Codex recommendations for sampling of animal

products.

The most important of these is the distinction made by JECFA/CCRVDF between meat

(a)

and

muscle

(b)

. Neither definition is very explicit. In contrast, the JMPR/CCPR definition of meat

(c)

is

(a)

Meat: the edible part of any mammal.

(b)

Muscle: muscle tissue only.

(c)

Meat: muscular tissues, including adhering fatty tissues such as intramuscular and subcutaneous fat from animal cacasses or

cut of these as prepared for wholesale or retail distribution in a “fresh” (including frozen or thawed) state. Cuts may include

bones, connective tissues, tendons, nerves and lymph nodes).

29

much more explicit but could be interpreted as different from the product defined as meat by

JECFA/CCRVDF. It would be helpful if the definitions were harmonised.

A difference of lesser importance but nonetheless anomalous is the description of whole eggs

(d)

.

Perhaps the JECFA/CCRVDF definition just requires clarification, as it seems unlikely that

measured residues would be affected significantly by the analysis of the shells.

Where do we go from here?

I have no easy solutions. Inadequate knowledge and the cost of developing MRLs for fat soluble

pesticides on a new basis present major obstacles to resolving the “fat problems”.

We need data on the relative levels of residues in adhering and interstitial fats. As significant

differences occur in residue levels in the adhering fats of a single animal, it does not seem safe to

assume that the levels in interstitial fat will be similar.

A central requirement is to ensure that a common definition of fat is used by all. JECFA and JMPR

definitions appear simple but they create problems in some cases where fatty tissues cannot be

removed as a sample. If the data used to develop the MRLs were not based on “whole” fatty tissue

but an extracted fat basis, a change in the definition of the product to which the MRL applies would

be of benefit to some enforcement agencies. A change to expression of MRLs (and residues) on a

“whole product” basis would probably appear more logical to consumers, and would be simpler for

analysts employing solvent extraction, but the MRLs would have to have been derived from similar

data. Such data may not exist.

Harmonisation of definitions of “meat” and “eggs” between JECFA/CCRVDF and JMPR/CCPR

should involve little risk of changing the basis for enforcement of MRLs.

CCPR has rationalised its recommendations for sampling

1

. Hitherto, these were similar to those of

CCRVDF, although the respective definitions of the product to be analysed differed in some cases.

Any harmonisation of JECFA and JMPR approaches to sampling that emerge from this meeting

should be reflected in the new CCPR sampling recommendations.

References

1. Report of the 30th Session of the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues, 1998.

ALINORM 99/24, Appendix III.

2. Codex Alimentarius, volume 2, 2nd edition (1993). Pesticide Residues in Food, Section 1, p4.

3. Codex Alimentarius, volume 2, 2nd edition (1993). Pesticide Residues in Food, Sections 2 and 3.

(d)

JMPR/CCPR: fresh edible portion of the body produced by female birds. JECFA/CCRVDF: egg (in shell) of

domesticated chickens (hens).

30

4. Codex Alimentarius, volume 3, 2nd edition (1993). Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods,

Sections 3 and 4.

31

Table1.Definitions of the portions of products to which MRLs apply and to be analysed

Commodity

CCPR 1993

3

CCRVDF 1993

4

Class B, type 6,

mammalian

products, group

30, meat

Definition

Muscular tissues, including adhering

fatty tissues such as intramuscular and

subcutaneous fat from animal cacasses

or cut of these as prepared for

wholesale or retail distribution in a

“fresh” (including frozen or thawed)

state. Cuts may include bones,

connective tissues, tendons, nerves and

lymph nodes

Meat: the edible part of any

mammal

Muscle: muscle tissue only

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL

applies

Whole commodity (without bones).

For fat soluble pesticides a portion of

adhering fat is analysed and MRLs

apply to the fat. For those commodities

where the adhering fat is insufficient to

provide a suitable sample, the whole

commodity (without bone) is analysed

and the MRL applies to the whole

commodity (e.g. rabbit meat).

Not defined

Class B, type 6,

mammalian

products, group

31, fat

Definition

Derived from the fatty tissues of

animals (not processed). Excludes milk

fats.

Not defined

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL

applies

Whole commodity

Not defined

Class B, type 6,

mammalian

products, group

32, offal

Definition

Edible tissue and organs other than

muscles (=meat) and animal fat.

Example: liver, kidney, tongue, heart,

stomach, sweetbread (thymus gland),

brain, etc.

Not defined

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL

applies

Whole commodity

Not defined

32

Class B, type 6,

mammalian

products, group

33, milk

Definition

The normal mammary excretion of

lactating herbivorous ruminants,

obtained from one or more milkings,

without either addition thereto or

extraction therefrom. The term also

defines “milk” which may have been

treated without affecting its

composition, or milk of which the fat

content has been standardised.

The normal mammary excretion

of lactating herbivorous

ruminants, obtained from one or

more milkings, without either

addition thereto or extraction

therefrom. The term also

defines “milk” which may have

been treated without affecting its

composition, or milk of which

the fat content has been

standardised.

The term may be used in

association with a word or words

to designate the type, grade,

origin and or intended use, or to

describe the physical treatment

or the modification of

composition to which it has

been subjected, provided that

the modification is restricted

to an addition and/or

withdrawal of natural milk

constituents.

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL

applies

Whole commodity

Not defined

Class B, type 7,

poultry products,

group 36, meat

Definition

Muscular tissues including adhering fat

and skin from poultry carcasses as

prepared for wholesale or retail

distribution

Not defined

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL

applies

Whole commodity (without bones).

For fat soluble pesticides a portion of

adhering fat is analysed and MRLs

apply to poultry fat [Note: no

indication of application to low fat

products]

Not defined

Class B, type 7,

poultry products,

group 37, fat

Definition

Derived from the fatty tissues of

poultry

Not defined

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL

applies

Whole commodity

Not defined

Class B, type 7,

poultry products,

group 38, offal

Definition

Edible offal, other than meat and fat.

Examples: liver, gizzard, heart, skin,

etc.

Not defined

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL

applies

Whole commodity

Not defined

33

Class B, type 7,

poultry products,

group 39, eggs

Definition

Fresh edible portion of the body

produced by female birds

Egg (in shell) of domesticated

chickens (hens)

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL

applies

Whole egg whites and yolks combined

after removal of shell

Not defined

Class E,

processed foods

of animal origin,

type 16

secondary food

commodities of

animal origin,

group 80, dried

meat and fish

products

Definition

Naturally or artificially dried meat and

fish products, including other marine

animals such as crustaceans

Not defined

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL

applies

Whole commodity as prepared for

wholesale or retail distribution

Not defined

Class E,

processed foods

of animal origin,

type 16

secondary food

commodities of

animal origin,

group 82,

Secondary milk

products

Definition

Milk products which have undergone

simple processing such as removal of

certain ingredients e.g. water, milk fat

etc. The group and the commodities

therein will only be used for pesticides

which are not partitioned exclusively or

nearly exclusively into the milk fat.

For example, milk powder, evaporated

milk, skimmed milk.

Not defined

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL

applies

Whole commodity

Not defined

Class E,

processed foods

of animal origin,

type 17 derived

edible products

of animal origin,

group 85,

processed animal

fats

Definition

Processed animal fats, including

rendered or extracted (possibly refined

and/or clarified) fats from land and

aquatic animals and poultry, and fats

and oils derived from fish

Not defined

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL

applies

Whole commodity

Not defined

34

Class E,

processed foods

of animal origin,

type 17 derived

edible products

of animal origin,

group 86, milk

fats

Definition

Fatty ingredients derived from the milk

of various mammals

Not defined

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL

applies

Whole commodity

Not defined

Class E,

processed foods

of animal origin,

type 17 derived

edible products

of animal origin,

group 87

Definition

Food or edible substances isolated from

milks, using physical, biological or

chemical processes. The group and the

commodities therein will only be used

for pesticides which are not partitioned

exclusively or nearly exclusively into

the milk fat. For example, butter,

butter oil, whey, cream powders, edible

caseinates, etc.

Not defined

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL

applies

Whole commodity

Not defined

Class E,

manufactured

foods (single

ingredient) of

animal origin,

type 18, group 90

Definition

Processed food consisting of one

identifiable food ingredient, with or

without minor ingredients. The group

and the commodities therein will only

be used for pesticides which are not

partitioned exclusively or nearly

exclusively into the milk fat. For

example, cheese, yoghurt, etc.

Not defined

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL

applies

Whole commodity as prepared for

wholesale or retail distribution.

Not defined

Class E,

manufactured

foods (multi-

ingredient) of

animal origin,

type 19, group 92

Definition

Processed food consisting of more than

one major food ingredient, in which

animal ingredients are predominant.

The group and the commodities therein

will only be used for pesticides which

are not partitioned exclusively or nearly

exclusively into the milk fat. For

example, processed cheese, flavoured

yoghurt, sweetened condensed milk,

etc.

Not defined

Portion of

commodity

to which

MRL applies

Whole commodity

Not defined

35

Group 030, mammalian

meats, large mammal

carcass

500g

diaphragm muscle

supplemented with

cervical muscle if

necessary

500g

diaphragm muscle

supplemented with

cervical muscle if

necessary

500g

diaphragm muscle

supplemented with

cervical muscle if

necessary

Group 030, mammalian

meats, small mammal

carcass

500g after removal of

skin and bone

hind quarters or whole

carcass

500g after removal of

skin and bone

hind quarters or whole

carcass

500g after removal of

skin and bone

hind quarters or whole

carcass

Group 030, mammalian

meats, fresh/chilled parts,

unit weight >500g

excluding bone

500g

Muscle portion from one

unit

500g

Portion from one unit

500g

Muscle portion from one

unit

Group 030, mammalian

meats, fresh/chilled parts,

unit weight <500g

500g after removal of

bone

Units collected from 1

container

500g after removal of

bone

500g after removal of

bone

Units collected from 1

container

Group 030, mammalian

meats, bulk frozen parts

500g

Cross-section from 1

container, or muscle

from 1 large part

500g after removal of

bone

Cross-section from 1

container, or the whole

(or portions) of

individual meat parts

500g

Cross-section from 1

container, or muscle from

1 large part

Group 030, mammalian

meats, retail packaged

500g after removal of

skin and bone

A number of units from

1 container

500g after removal of

bone

500g after removal of

skin and bone

A number of units from 1

container

Group 031, mammalian

fats including carcass fat

500g

Abdominal and

subcutaneous fat from

one or more animals

MRL applies to sole (sic)

commodity without bone

where adhering fat is

insufficient to provide a

suitable sample

500g

Abdominal or

subcutaneous fat from

one or more animals

500g

Abdominal and

subcutaneous fat from

one or more animals

MRL applies to whole

commodity without bone

where adhering fat is

insufficient to provide a

suitable sample

Group 031, mammalian

bulk fat tissue

500g

equal size portions from

3 locations

500g

portions from at least 3

locations

500g

equal size portions from 3

locations

Group 032, mammalian

edible offal - liver

400-500g

Whole liver or portion

400g

Whole liver or portion

400-500g

Whole liver or portion

Group 032, mammalian

edible offal - kidney

250-500g

One or both kidneys

from one or more

animals

Do not collect from more

than 1 animal if the

sample meets the low

range for the laboratory

sample size requirement

200g

One or both kidneys

from one or more

animals

250-500g

One or both kidneys from

one or more animals

Do not collect from more

than 1 animal if the

sample meets the low

range for the laboratory

sample size requirement

36

Group 032, mammalian

edible offal - heart

400-500g

Whole heart or ventricle

portion to meet

requirement for

laboratory sample

400g

Whole heart or ventricle

portion to meet

requirement for

laboratory sample

400-500g

Whole heart or ventricle

portion to meet

requirement for

laboratory sample

Group 032, mammalian

edible offal - other fresh,

chilled or frozen

500g

Portion derived from one

animal unless product

from more than 1 animal

is required for laboratory

sample. A cross-section

from bulk frozen product

500g

Portion derived from one

or more animals. A

cross-section from bulk

frozen product

500g

Portion derived from one

animal unless product

from more than 1 animal

is required for laboratory

sample. A cross-section

from bulk frozen product

Group 033, mammalian

milk

500g

Group 036, poultry meats,

>2kg carcass

500g after removal of

skin and bone

Thighs, legs and other

dark meat from one bird

500g after removal of

skin and bone

Thighs, legs and other

dark meat

500g after removal of

skin and bone

Thighs, legs and other

dark meat from one bird

Group 036, poultry meats,

500g - 2kg carcass

500g after removal of

skin and bone

Thighs, legs and other

dark meat from 3-6 birds

500g after removal of

skin and bone

Thighs, legs and other

dark meat from at least 3

birds

500g after removal of

skin and bone

Thighs, legs and other

dark meat from 3-6 birds

Group 036, poultry meats,

<500g carcass

250-500g muscle tissue

from at least 6 carcasses

200g muscle tissue from

at least 6 carcasses

250-500g muscle tissue

from at least 6 carcasses

Group 036, poultry meats,

parts, fresh, chilled, frozen

500g after removal of

skin and bone

1 interior large unit, or

units from 1 layer, from

a wholesale container; or

units from one retail

container

500g after removal of

skin and bone

packaged or individual

units

500g after removal of

skin and bone

1 interior large unit, or

units from 1 layer, from a

wholesale container; or

units from one retail

container

Group 037, poultry fats,

carcasses at slaughter

Sufficient for 50-100g

fat

Abdominal fat from 3-6

birds

500g

Abdominal fat from at

least 3 birds

Sufficient for 50-100g fat

Abdominal fat from 3-6

birds

Group 037, poultry fats,

other meat

500g of separable fat or

1.5-2kg if fat cannot be

separated

Sufficient for 50-100g

fat

500g of separable fat or

2kg if fat cannot be

separated

500g of separable fat or

1.5-2kg if fat cannot be

separated

Sufficient for 50-100g fat

Group 037, poultry fats,

bulk fat

500g

Equal size portions from

3 locations in container

500g

Portions from at least 3

locations in container

500g

Equal size portions from

3 locations in container

Group 038, Poultry edible

offal, liver

250-500g

6 whole livers or

sufficient to meet size

requirement

200g (except as below)

At least 6 whole livers or

a cross-section from a

container

50g Goose and duck fat

liver and similar

products of high value

Unit from one bird or

container

250-500g

6 whole livers or

sufficient to meet size

requirement

Group 038, Poultry edible

offal, other

250-500g

Parts from 6 birds. If

frozen, a cross section of

the container

200g

Parts from 6 birds. If

frozen, a cross section of

the container

250-500g

Parts from 6 birds. If

frozen, a cross section of

the container

37

Group 39, Poultry eggs

500g or 10 whole eggs

12 whole chicken eggs, 6

whole duck or goose

eggs, 24 whole quail (or

similar) eggs

500g or 10 whole eggs

Class E, type 16,

secondary meat and

poultry products,

comminuted of single

species

500g

cross-section of

container

500g or 2 kg if fat

content <5%

packaged units or cross-

section of container, or

units (including juices, if

any) taken with a

sampling device

500g

cross-section of container

Class E, type 16, dried

meat products

500g or 1.5-2 kg if fat

content <5% and MRL is

expressed on a fat basis

Collect packaged units

from one container

500g or 2 kg if fat

content <5%

packaged units or cross-

section of container, or

units (including juices, if

any) taken with a

sampling device

500g or 1.5-2 kg if fat

content <5% and MRL is

expressed on a fat basis

Collect packaged units

from one container

Class E, type 17, derived

edible products of animal

origin

200g

Class E, type 18,

manufactured single

ingredient product

500g or 1.5-2 kg if fat

content <5% and MRL is

expressed on a fat basis

or 1 kg for unit sizes

<1kg

One can, or portion

(including juices) if cans

>2kg

Cured, smoked, etc., take

a whole unit or portion

of a large unit

200g of cheese

500g or 2 kg if fat

content <5%

packaged units or cross-

section of container, or

units (including juices, if

any) taken with a

sampling device.

500g of cheese or 300g if

units <300g

500g or 1.5-2 kg if fat

content <5% and MRL is

expressed on a fat basis

One can, or portion

(including juices) if cans

>2kg

Cured, smoked, etc., take

a whole unit or portion of

a large unit.

200g of cheese

Class E, type 19,

manufactured multi-

ingredient product

500g

Cross-section portion of

unit >2kg, or 1 whole

unit or 1 kg for unit sizes

<1kg

500g or 2 kg if fat

content <5%

packaged units or cross-

section of container, or

units (including juices, if

any) taken with a

sampling device.

300g processed cheese

packed in units <300g

500g

Cross-section portion of

unit >2kg, or 1 whole unit

200g processed cheese

39

Appendix 2

List of Participants

Árpád Ambrus

Food and Environmental Protection Section

Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques

in Food and Agriculture

International Atomic Energy Agency

Wagramer Strasse 5, P.O. Box 100

A-1400 Vienna

Austria

Tel: (43 1) 260026059

Fax: (43 1) 26007

E-mail: [email protected]

Dieter Arnold

Acting Director

Federal Institute for Health Protection of Consumers

and Veterinary Medicine

Thielallee 88/92

D-14195 Berlin

Tel: (49 30)84 12 3590

Fax: (49 30)84 12 3374

E-mail: [email protected]

Jacques Boisseau

Directeur

Agence nationale du médicament vétérinaire

CNEVA

La Haute Marche, Javené

35133 Fougères, France

Tel: (33 2)99 94 78 72

Fax: (33 2)99 94 78 99

E-mail: [email protected]

40

Richard Ellis

Director

Scientific Research and Oversight

Office of Public Health and Science

c/o Franklin Court, Suite 6907

US Department of Agriculture

300 12

th

Street, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20250-3700

Tel: (1 202) 501 7625

Fax: (1 202) 501 7628

E-mail: [email protected]

Stephen Funk

Health Effects Division (7509C)

US Environmental Protection Agency

401 M Street, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20460

USA

Tel: (1 703) 305 5430

Fax: (1 703) 305-5147/5529

E-mail: [email protected]

Denis J. Hamilton

Principal Scientific Officer

Animal & Plant Health Service, Floor 3PIB

Department of Primary Industries

P.O. Box 46

Brisbane, QLD 4001

Australia

Tel: (61 7) 3239 3409

Fax: (61 7) 3211 3293

E-mail: [email protected]

John L. Herrman

(Joint WHO Secretary to the JMPR and JECFA)

Assessment of Risk and Methodologies

International Programme on Chemical Safety

World Health Organization

1211 Geneva 27

Switzerland

Tel: (41 22) 791 3569

Fax: (41 22) 791 4848

E-mail: [email protected]

41

Alan Hill

Central Science Laboratory

Sand Hutton

York YO4 1LZ

United Kingdom

Tel: (44 1904) 462560

Fax: (44 1904) 462111

E-mail: [email protected]

Stephen Sundlof

Center for Veterinary Medicine, HFV-1

Food and Drug Administration

7500 Standish Place

Rockville, MD 20250-3700

Tel: (1 301) 594 1740

Fax: (1 301) 594 1830

E-mail: [email protected]

Amelia W. Tejada

(FAO Joint Secretary to the JMPR)

Pesticide Management Group

Food and Agriculture Organization

of the United Nations (FAO)

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla

00100 Rome

Italy

Tel: (39 06) 570 554010

Fax: (39 06) 570 56347

E-mail: [email protected]

Gero Vaagt

Senior Officer

Pesticide Management Group

Food and Agriculture Organization

of the United Nations (FAO)

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla

00100 Rome

Italy

Tel: (39 06) 570 55757

Fax: (39 06) 570 56347

E-mail: [email protected]

42

John Weatherwax

(FAO Consultant, Acting FAO Joint Secretary to JECFA)

Food Quality Liaison Group

Food Quality and Standards Service

Food and Nutrition Division

Food and Agriculture Organization

of the United Nations (FAO)

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla

00100 Rome

Italy

Tel: (39 06) 570 53523

Fax: (39 06) 570 54593

E-mail: [email protected]

Yukiko Yamada

Food Standards Officer

Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme

Food and Nutrition Division

Food and Agriculture Organization

of the United Nations (FAO)

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla

00100 Rome

Italy

Tel: (39 06) 570 55443

Fax: (39 06) 570 54593

E-mail: [email protected]

43

Appendix 3

Considerations by 1999 JMPR on Recommendations Arising from the Informal

JMPR/JECFA Harmonization Meeting

The 1999 JMPR discussed only those recommendations addressed to the JMPR. The

recommendations are listed below with comments provided.

Tissue

• For the determination of fat-soluble pesticides/veterinary drug residues in meat/muscle

for enforcement or monitoring purposes, laboratories are advised to collect and to analyse

trimmable fat and to report the residue on a lipid basis, i.e. meat (fat) for JMPR and fat for

JECFA. For meat without trimmable fat, the entire commodity should be analysed as

meat/muscle, but only where the MRL has been set on a meat/muscle basis.

The recommendation is in agreement with current JMPR practices of MRL setting for fat-soluble

compounds.

• For the determination of non-fat soluble pesticides/veterinary drugs residues in

meat/muscle, laboratories are advised to analyse meat/muscle with trimmable fat removed,

as far as is practical.

The JMPR agrees that the practices for setting MRLs for non-fat soluble compounds for animal

commodities (past and present) are in accord with the above recommendation. Data are reviewed

for muscle, however the MRL is expressed as ‘meat’ for analytical requirements.

• Where JMPR and JECFA have recommended MRLs for the same chemical with the same

residue/marker residue definitions on the same commodity, the higher MRL should prevail.

The JMPR is aware of this situation. However, the JMPR will evaluate the data received and

report the estimated maximum residue level. The recommended MRL will take into account the

CCRVDF MRL. The reviewer (JMPR/JECFA) should be alerted to the current status of the

MRLs in both the CCPR and CCRVDF systems.

Milk

• For the determination of fat-soluble pesticide/veterinary drug residues in milk, the milk

fat portion of the fresh milk should be analysed, and the results should be expressed on a

whole milk basis using 4% as the nominal fat content.

The JMPR agree with the above recommendation, as this is the current practice in the evaluation

of fat-soluble pesticides present in milk.

Harmonisation of residue definition

44

• The working group noted disparate residue definitions by CCPR and CCRVDF for

abamectin and recommended that CCRVDF/JECFA consider expansion of its residue

definition to include other isomers, such as the photodegradation isomer of B1a.

CCPR/JMPR should consider its need to include the various isomers as part of the periodic

review of abamectin.

The JMPR agree that residue definitions should be harmonised where possible and will consider

the recommendation at the next periodic evaluation of abamectin. The scheduling of the periodic

review of the compound is a matter for discussion by the CCPR priorities commmittee.

• Cypermethrin and alpha-cypermethrin should remain as the marker residue definitions

for their use as veterinary drugs for cypermethrin and alpha-cypermethrin, respectively, and

cypermethrin (sum of isomers) should remain as the residue definition for the pesticide

cypermethrin. Guidance should be supplied to laboratories on the designation of the

measured residue as cypermethrin or alpha-cypermethrin based on the chromatography of

the test substance.

Cypermethrin is scheduled for periodic evaluation by the JMPR in September 2004 and will

consider this issue further at that time. Cypermethrin is also scheduled for evaluation by JECFA

in February 2000. However, it is noted that there may be enforcement problems if products

containing the mixture of isomers are still registered alongside products containing a single pair

of isomers, e.g. alpha-cypermethrin and zeta-cypermethrin where different MRLs exist for such

products. In addition, exposure to animals may originate from both types of products and if

laboratories are only monitoring for a single marker residue and not sum of isomers, problems

may occur.

• Harmonisation efforts should be undertaken on a case-by case basis where marker

residue definition/residue definition differences occur between JECFA and JMPR.

The JMPR agrees that harmonisation of residue definitions should occur where relevant.

Different residue definitions are set by JMPR for enforcement and dietary intake purposes and

this should be taken into account when harmonisation is considered.

• CCPR should amend the note explaining the “V” designation for MRLs. The present

description, “the MRL accommodates veterinary uses”, is confusing and should be amended

to “the MRL accommodates external treatments”.

The Meeting agreed to use the suggested amendment and include the amended terminology in

future recommendations.

• For compounds that are common to both, JMPR and JECFA should use the more specific

animal commodity descriptions to enhance harmonisation. For example, separate MRLs for

cattle muscle, goat muscle, horse muscle, pig muscle and sheep muscle are preferable to

meat of cattle, goats, horses, pigs and sheep.

The JMPR agrees that when there are existing MRLs for common pesticides resulting from

direct veterinary treatments (JMPR/JECFA), specific animal commodity MRLs (species

45

specific) should be estimated rather than a generic MRL. This will allow JECFA to clearly see

the origin of the MRL in relation to specific animal uses as opposed to MRLs set on the basis of

exposure from feeding of treated feed items.

Dietary Intake Estimation and Risk Assessment

• Each expert panel needs a better understanding of the other’s procedure for food safety

assessment for estimating MRLs and dietary exposure, for example. JECFA will provide

JMPR with its guidance document describing the JECFA evaluation procedures when the

draft version is finalised. The JMPR FAO Manual (1997) will be distributed to the JECFA

members at the February 1999 meeting.

The JMPR looks forward to the publication of the JECFA manual with interest and notes that the

FAO manual has been distributed to JECFA members.

• The JECFA/JMPR Group acknowledge the very different approaches used for dietary

exposure determinations. JMPR will provide JECFA with detailed reports of its assessments,

dietary intake calculations and % ADI determinations for compounds of interest to JECFA.

When the data are available, JECFA will provide JMPR with median and upper limit animal

commodity residue values and dietary intake calculations/% ADI determinations for

compounds of interest to JMPR.

There is a need to discuss further the two approaches of dietary intake and investigate in detail

the current approaches used by JECFA. The JMPR is aware that in future intake estimates there

is a need to take into account residues in animal commodities resulting from direct veterinary

treatment for those pesticides which are not used on major animal feed commodities, e.g.

thiabendazole and deltamethrin. It is noted that JECFA will provide median residue levels to the

JMPR panel for inclusion in dietary intake assessments in place of the STMRs.

• JECFA and JMPR should consider the exchange of one panel member each for a portion

of the expert panel meetings to facilitate the harmonisation of MRLs and risk assessment for

substances used as veterinary drugs and pesticides.

The JMPR is willing to support exchange of panel members when there is a common interest in

the review of a particular compound. The Meeting was aware that the Joint Secretaries had

arranged for a JMPR Panel member to attend the JECFA meeting in 2000.

• The Joint Secretary for JMPR will attend the JECFA meeting and the Joint Secretary for

JECFA will attend the JMPR meeting, particularly when MRLs and risk assessments of

substances used as veterinary drugs and as pesticides are being considered.

The JMPR notes that this exchange may be useful.

• Joint meetings of JMPR and JECFA should be held on an ad hoc basis to address issues

of mutual interest, for example how to address MRL and ADI issues for classes of

compounds with common modes of action, e.g. organophosphate compounds.

46

Dietary intake assessments and other matters should be discussed at ad hoc meetings in the

interest of continued harmonisation.

1. For compounds of mutual interest, JMPR and JECFA should have each other’s

recommendations/reports available when conducting evaluations. The Joint Secretaries will

have responsibility for obtaining and distributing the documents and information, as

appropriate.

The Joint Secretaries should have the appropriate evaluation reports and it is essential that this

information is given to the Joint Secretaries at scheduling of the compounds. The Meeting

recommended that the information should be provided to the panel member reviewing the

compound at a very early stage. The information should include the full evaluation report.