AZINPHOS-METHYL JMPR 1972
Explanation
Azinphos-methyl was evaluated for acceptable daily intake by the Joint
Meeting in 1965 (FAO/WHO, 1965).
It was reconsidered by the 1968 Joint Meeting (FAO/WHO, 1969) and
temporary tolerances were recommended, for various commodities. The
following information was "Required before 30 June 1972":
1. Information on the nature of terminal residues in plants, animals
and their products.
2. Further data on residue levels in raw agricultural products moving
in commerce.
3. Data on disappearance of residues during storage and household
cooking of vegetables.
4. Data on the possible carry-over of residues into wine as a result
of treatment of grapes.
5. Comparative evaluation of gas-liquid chromatographic and
spectophotometric methods for the determination of azinphos-methyl and
its oxygen analogue for regulatory purposes.
RESIDUES IN FOOD AND THEIR EVALUATION
The following information was available for consideration in 1972.
USE PATTERN
Since the revision of the data on azinphos-methyl in 1968 the use
pattern has changed considerably and has expanded into many countries.
Residue data from supervised trials using these new use patterns were
obtained from USA but only in a summarized form. No information was
obtained on residue levels resulting from such uses in other
countries.
FATE OF RESIDUES
Studies on the metabolic pathway and on the nature of terminal
residues in plants and animals are under way in the Federal Republic
of Germany and the USA, and results may be available in 1973.
Evidence of levels in food in commerce or at harvest
Only a few data are available on residues in commodities moving in
international commerce. Three samples out of 228 samples of apples of
German origin contained residues of azinphos-methyl with residue
levels ranging between 0.1 ppm and 0.5 ppm (Krause and Kirchoff,
1969). Azinphos-methyl residues do not appear to have been found in
total diet studies or market basket sample analysis.
Effect of cooking and processing
No data were available for evaluation.
Carry-over into wine
Experiments were carried out in Germany during the 1972 growing season
on residues in grapes and carry-over into wine. The results of these
studies will be available in 1973.
APPRAISAL
Because of the lack of relevant information the Joint Meeting was not
able to propose any changes in the temporary tolerance figures
established in 1968 nor to propose tolerance figures for other crops
and commodities.
FURTHER WORK OR INFORMATION
REQUIRED (by 30 June 1973)
1. Information on the nature of terminal residues in plants.
2. Further data on supervised trials in various areas, including the
currently recommended rates of application and preharvest intervals on
those crops for which the data supplied is insufficient.
3. Data on disappearance of residues during storage and processing.
DESIRABLE
1. Further data on residue levels in food commodities moving in
commerce.
2. Data on possible carry-over of residues into wine as a result of
the treatment of grapes.
REFERENCES
Krause C. and Kirchoff, J. (1969) Organophosphatrückstande auf
Marktproben von Obst und Gemüse sowir auf Getreideerzeugnissen.
Nachrichten blatt des Deutschen pflanzenschütz dienstes, 21(6):81-84.
FAO/WHO (1965) Evaluation of the toxicity of pesticide residues in
food. PL/1965/10/1; WHO/Food Add./27.65
FAO/WHO (1969) 1968 evaluations of some pesticide residues in food.
FAO/PL/1968/M/9/1; WHO/Food Add./69.35.