L 206/12 Official Journal of the European Union 27.7.2006 COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 2006/61/EC of 7 July 2006 amending the Annexes to Council Directives 86/362/EEC, 86/363/EEC and 90/642[EEC as regards maximum residue levels for atrazine, azinphos-ethyl, cyfluthrin, ethephon, fenthion, methamidophos, methomyl, paraquat and triazophos (Text with EEA relevance) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Directive 86/362/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on cereals (1), and in particular Article 10 thereof, Having regard to Council Directive 86/363/EEC of 24 July 1986 on the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on foodstuffs of animal origin (2, and in particular Article 10 thereof, Having regard to Council Directive 90/642[EEC of 27 Novem- ber 1990 on the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on certain products of plant origin, including fruit and vegetables (3), and in particular Article 7 thereof, Having regard to Council Directive 91/414/EEC of 15 July 1991 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the mar- ket (4, and in particular Article 4(1)(f) thereof, Whereas: (1) In the case of cereals and products of plant origin includ- ing fruit and vegetables, residue levels reflect the use of minimum quantities of pesticides necessary to achieve effective protection of plants, applied in such a manner that the amount of residue is as low as is practicable and toxicologically acceptable, having regard, in particular to the protection of the environment and the estimated dietary intake of consumers. In the case of foodstuffs of animal origin, residue levels reflect the consumption by (") OJL 221, 7.8.1986, p. 37. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 2006/59/EC (OJ L 175, 29.6.2006, p. 61). (3 OJL 221, 7.8.1986, p. 43. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 2006/59/EC. () OJ L 350, 14.12.1990, p. 71. Directive as last amended by Commis- sion Directive 2006/59/EC. (*) OJ L 230,19.8.1991, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 2006/45/EC (O] L 130, 18.5.2006, p. 27). animals of cereals and products of plant origin treated with pesticides and, where relevant, the direct conse- quences of the use of veterinary medicines. Community maximum residue levels (MRLSs) represent the upper limit of the amount of such residues that might be expected to be found in commodities when good agricultural prac- tices have been respected. (2)  MRLs for pesticides are kept under review and changed to take account of new information and data. MRLs are fixed at the lower limit of analytical determination where autho- rised uses of plant protection products do not result in detectable levels of pesticide residue in or on the food product, or where there are no authorised uses, or where uses which have been authorised by Member States have not been supported by the necessary data, or where uses in third countries resulting in residues in or on food prod- ucts which may enter into circulation in the Community market have not been supported by the necessary data. (3)  The Commission was informed that for several pesticides current MRLs may need to be revised in the light of the availability of new information on the toxicology and con- sumer intake. The Commission has asked the relevant rap- porteur Member States to make proposals for the review of Community MRLs. Such proposals were submitted to the Commission. (4)  The lifetime and short-term exposure of consumers to the pesticides referred to in this Directive via food products has been reassessed and evaluated in accordance with Community procedures and practices, taking account of guidelines published by the World Health Organiza- tion (°). On that basis, it is appropriate to fix new MRLs, which will ensure that there is no unacceptable consumer exposure. (°) Guidelines for predicting dietary intake of pesticide residues (revised), prepared by the GEMS/Food Programme in collaboration with the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues, published by the World Health Organization 1997 (WHO/ESF[FOS/97.7).