The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a peer-reviewed conclusion on the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance proquinazid, identifying critical areas of concern and data gaps that prevent a full risk characterisation. The document, dated 18 May 2026, was prepared by EFSA's Pesticides Peer Review Unit following a review by Member States and the applicant.
The conclusion is a formal scientific opinion under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, assessing proquinazid's potential risks to human health, non-target organisms, and the environment. EFSA found that the available data were insufficient to finalise the risk assessment for several areas, including dietary exposure to consumers, groundwater contamination, and risks to aquatic organisms and bees. The agency also noted that the representative uses evaluated—fungicide applications on cereals and grapes—may lead to unacceptable exposure levels for operators and workers unless strict personal protective equipment is used.
Policy orientations and trade-offs EFSA's conclusion highlights a tension between agricultural need for effective fungicides and the precautionary principle in EU pesticide regulation. Proquinazid is used to control powdery mildew, a significant crop disease, but the identified data gaps mean that a full safety profile cannot be established. The agency recommends that the European Commission and Member States consider whether to maintain, restrict, or withdraw the approval of proquinazid based on the identified risks. This decision will involve balancing the benefits for crop protection against potential health and environmental harms.
Impact on stakeholders EU farmers and agricultural cooperatives face potential loss of a key fungicide if proquinazid is not re-approved, which could increase production costs or reduce yield protection. The agrochemical industry, particularly the applicant company, may need to invest in additional studies to address the data gaps or risk losing market access. EU consumers and environmental groups may benefit from reduced pesticide exposure if restrictions are imposed, but could face higher food prices or reduced domestic supply. National regulatory authorities in EU Member States will need to implement any changes to authorisations, requiring resources for re-evaluation.
Expected institutional follow-up The European Commission will now use EFSA's conclusion to propose a decision on the renewal of proquinazid's approval under the EU pesticides legislation. Member States will vote on the proposal in the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed. If the approval is not renewed, national authorisations for products containing proquinazid must be withdrawn within a set period. The applicant may also submit additional data to address the identified gaps, potentially leading to a revised assessment.
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