The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has identified three active substances for which a review of existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) is no longer necessary, according to a statement published on 27 July 2026. The substances are gibberellic acid, gibberellins, and a third unnamed substance. EFSA prepared the statement explaining why the MRL reviews became obsolete, following consultations with Member States via a written procedure that closed on 18 June 2026.
Under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA is required to provide reasoned opinions on the review of existing MRLs for pesticide active substances. However, for these three substances, the review is no longer considered necessary. Two of the substances—gibberellic acid and gibberellins—had been temporarily listed in Annex IV of the regulation, which exempts substances from MRL requirements, pending finalisation of their evaluation under Directive 91/414/EEC or Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009.
Gibberellic acid was renewed as a low-risk active substance by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2313, following EFSA's peer review in 2024. During the peer review, EFSA identified data gaps on natural background levels and metabolites. However, the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed concluded in November 2025 that the risk to consumers from exogenous use is not expected to increase compared to naturally occurring gibberellic acid, and agreed to maintain it in Annex IV temporarily and close the Article 12 review. Similarly, gibberellins were renewed as a low-risk substance by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2272, with the committee agreeing to keep them in Annex IV.
The statement notes that any additional data that might become available in the future can be assessed under an ad hoc mandate. The three substances' corresponding question numbers are considered addressed by this statement. The decision impacts EU consumers, as it confirms that no MRLs are required for these substances, and EU producers of plant protection products, who benefit from continued low-risk classification without additional data submission for MRL review. National authorities are relieved of the need to conduct MRL assessments for these substances, while the European Commission and Member States have streamlined the regulatory process by closing the review.