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Campylobacteriosis and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are global public health concerns. Africa is estimated to have the world’s highest incidence of campylobacteriosis and a relatively high prevalence of AMR in Campylobacter spp. from humans and animals. Few studies have compared Campylobacter spp. isolated from humans and poultry in Africa using whole-genome sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We explored the population structure and AMR of 178 Campylobacter isolates from East Africa, 81 from patients with diarrhea in Kenya and 97 from 56 poultry samples in Tanzania, collected during 2006–2017. Sequence type diversity was high in both poultry and human isolates, with some sequence types in common. The estimated prevalence of multidrug resistance, defined as resistance to >3 antimicrobial classes, was higher in poultry isolates (40.9%, 95% credible interval 23.6%–59.4%) than in human isolates (2.5%, 95% credible interval 0.3%–6.8%), underlining the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in livestock systems.

Abstract In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food chain Safety and Environment submitted a request to the competent national authority in Belgium (evaluating Member State, EMS) to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance propamocarb in radishes for the residues occurring in radish roots and in small radish leaves (proposed to be classified under the subgroup of Roman rocket/rucola). The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for radishes and small radish leaves. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of propamocarb on the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of propamocarb according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The chronic consumer risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative since affected by uncertainty related to the data gaps identified in the MRL review.

Abstract We examined the association between serum aflatoxin B1‐lysine adduct (AFB1‐lys) levels in pregnant women and adverse pregnancy outcomes (low birthweight, miscarriage and stillbirth) through a nested matched case–control study of pregnant women enroled at ≤28 weeks' gestation in Mombasa, Kenya, from 2017 to 2019. Cases comprised women with an adverse birth outcome, defined as either delivery of a singleton infant weighing

Abstract In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant ISK Biosciences Europe N.V. submitted a request to the competent national authority in Finland to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance flonicamid in honey. The data submitted in support of the request were not found appropriate to derive an MRL proposal for honey. The assessment was complemented by an analysis of the monitoring data available from the EU monitoring programmes (conducted during 2009–2023). The results from the monitoring data analysis suggest that the current MRL is still sufficient to account for the residue uptake in honey resulting from plant protection products uses of flonicamid on melliferious crops. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of flonicamid in honey according to the residue definition as the sum of flonicamid, TFNA and TFNG, expressed as flonicamid at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg for each compound. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues in honey at a level of 0.05 mg/kg according to the monitoring data is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Abstract In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Corteva Agriscience International Sàrl submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) in certain animal commodities (fat and liver) and honey. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for honey. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues according to the residue definition for enforcement proposed as ‘picloram, free and conjugated, expressed as picloram’ in honey at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. For the commodities of animal origin, although the submitted data were found to be sufficient, EFSA concluded that no change of the existing MRLs was necessary. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues expected in honey, resulting from the existing uses of picloram on melliferous crops, is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Abstract In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Nufarm Crop Products UK Ltd. submitted a request to the competent national authority in Italy to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance dichlorprop‐P in barley, oat, rye and wheat grain. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for these cereal grains. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of dichlorprop‐P in the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg and in animal matrices at the validated LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of dichlorprop‐P‐2‐ethylhexyl (dichlorprop‐P 2‐EHE) according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Abstract In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant BASF SE submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance cycloxydim in pome fruits, apricots/peaches, peas (with pods), maize/corn, sugar beet roots and milk (sheep). The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for pome fruits, peas (with pods), maize/corn and sugar beet roots while for apricots, peaches and sheep milk no changes to the existing MRLs were considered necessary. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of cycloxydim according to the current enforcement residue definition in the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the uses of cycloxydim according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Abstract According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance difenoconazole. To assess the occurrence of difenoconazole residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Council Directive 91/414/EEC, the MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission as well as the European authorisations reported by Member States and the UK (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived, and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Some information required by the regulatory framework was missing and a possible acute risk to consumers was identified. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only, some MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers and measures for reduction of the consumer exposure should also be considered.

Abstract In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food chain Safety and Environment submitted a request on behalf of Belgium (evaluating Member State, EMS) to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance methoxyfenozide in aubergines/eggplants. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for aubergines/eggplants. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of methoxyfenozide in the commodity under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, the EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the indoor use of methoxyfenozide according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Biorejuvenators are rejuvenating agents produced from sustainable biological raw materials. In this study, a biorejuvenator was used in recycled materials, such as reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), to determine its effect on the asphalt binder film thickness (ABFT) and resilient modulus (Smix) of an asphalt concrete wearing course (ACWC) mixture, which was tested at the optimum binder content (OBC). The ABFT was investigated using scanning electron microscopy and the Smix was determined from the asphalt mixture test using UMATTA at test temperatures of 20–40 °C. The asphalt mixture was prepared with RAP (0–30%), pen 60/70, aggregates, and two types of biorejuvenators, namely coconut shell bioasphalt (BioCS) and BitutechRAP (from trees). Furthermore, an Smix model was developed for each mixture type. The ABFT value obtained from the microstructural test results for each mixture corresponded with the minimum ABFT requirements for the adhesion criteria of the asphalt mixture, microstructurally demonstrating that the biorejuvenators worked well to restore the performance of 30%RAP in the ACWC mixture. Both types of biorejuvenators could activate the bitumen of the RAP (RA binder) because they could still produce Smix. The value of Smix produced from the RAP and BioCS mixture was greater than that produced from the RAP and BitutechRAP mixture. In the resulting Smix model, the influential volumetric parameters for ACWC + RAP + BioCS and ACWC + RAP + BitutechRAP were the voids in mineral aggregate and voids in asphalt, respectively. Based on the results of the microstructural, mechanistic, and Smix models, BioCS, as a local Indonesian biorejuvenator, has significant potential to rejuvenate recycled materials up to 30%.

Abstract Introduction Adverse birth outcomes particularly preterm births and congenital anomalies, are the leading causes of infant mortality globally, and the burden is highest in developing countries. We set out to determine the frequency of adverse birth outcomes and the risk factors associated with such outcomes in a cohort of pregnant women in Kenya. Methods From October 2017 to July 2019, pregnant women

Lithium-ion Batteries are widely used in several applications but require complex management systems to ensure their safe and effective usage. Algorithm development and functional testing are among the most complex and time-consuming phases of lithium-ion battery management system design. Furthermore, the use of real batteries in those phases introduces safety hazards. The hardware-in-the-loop approach allows the designers to overcome these limitations by replacing real batteries with hardware emulators. This article presents a low-cost battery emulator platform to reproduce the main electrical and thermal behaviors of elementary battery cells. The platform allows the user to manually control the emulator outputs or automatically reproduce specific voltage, temperature, and current profiles. In addition, the platform can independently reproduce the battery cell behaviors by using a customizable 2-RC equivalent electrical model. The functional testing and the balancing algorithm assessment of a custom battery management system are used as a case study to evaluate the developed battery emulator platform. Results demonstrate the effective advantages of the developed platform to assess the battery management system safety functionalities and algorithms. Finally, the platform is made freely available to accelerate research and innovation in the field of energy storage technology.

Abstract In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicants De Sangosse SAS and Tilco‐Alginure submitted two requests, respectively, to the competent national authorities in France and Germany to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance potassium phosphonates in various plant commodities. The data submitted in support of the requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the commodities under assessment. For the derived MRL on baby leaf crops, further risk manager consideration is required to decide between two MRL options. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of potassium phosphonates in accordance with the residue definition ‘phosphonic acid and its salts expressed as phosphonic acid’ in the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results and assuming that the existing MRLs will be amended as proposed by EFSA in previous outputs, EFSA concluded that the long‐term intake of residues resulting from the existing uses of fosetyl and phosphonates (previously assessed in a joint MRL review) and new proposed uses of potassium phosphonates is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. Considering the toxicological profile of the active substance, a short‐term dietary risk assessment was not required. The risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative because some MRL proposals derived by EFSA in the framework of the MRL review according to Articles 12 and 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 require further consideration by risk managers.

Abstract According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance gamma‐cyhalothrin. To assess the occurrence of gamma‐cyhalothrin residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Commission Regulation (EU) No 188/2011, as well as the European authorisations reported by Member States (including the supporting residues data) in the framework of this review. Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived, and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Although no risk to consumers was identified, some information required by the regulatory framework was missing. The residue definition for monitoring (lambda‐cyhalothrin (includes gamma‐cyhalothrin) (sum of R, S and S, R isomers)) covers both lambda‐ and gamma‐cyhalothrin. Appropriate enantioselective techniques, which are not commonly used in routine analysis, are required to differentiate gamma‐cyhalothrin residues from lambda‐cyhalothrin. According to the available data, it is expected that the MRLs currently set in Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 will cover the uses of gamma‐cyhalothrin assessed in the present review. Therefore, risk managers can consider maintaining the existing EU MRLs.

Abstract The applicant Corteva Agriscience submitted a request to the competent national authority in Austria to evaluate the confirmatory data that were identified for myclobutanil in the framework of the MRL review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as not available. To address the data gap related to the lack of information on the triazole derivative metabolites (TDMs), new residue trials analysing for TDMs were submitted on apples, grapes, strawberries, tomatoes and melons. Following the assessment of the submitted data, EFSA concluded that Article 12 confirmatory data gaps are considered addressed for pome fruits, grapes, cucurbits with inedible peel, strawberries and tomatoes. The new information provided required the assessment of consumer exposure to TDMs, which identified no consumer intake concerns for the crops under consideration. No information was provided to address the Article 12 confirmatory data referred to in Regulation (EU) 2020/770 for blackberries, gooseberries, bananas, aubergines/eggplants, lamb's lettuces/corn salads, beans (with pods), globe artichokes, hops, sugar beet roots and products of animal origin. For these commodities, the existing EU MRL could be lowered to the enforcement limit of quantification (LOQ). For kaki/Japanese persimmon and azararoles/mediterranean medlars, the existing EU MRL is set on the basis of Codex MRL in pome fruits. The applicant did not request maintaining a Codex MRL in these commodities, but should risk managers decide otherwise, the Article 12 data gap is considered addressed for kaki/Japanese persimmon while for azaroles/Mediterranean medlars, a risk management decision might be required. No consumer intake concerns were identified.

Abstract In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant BASF SE submitted two requests to the competent national authority in Spain and Ireland to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance fluxapyroxad in kaki/Japanese persimmons and in cultivated fungi, respectively. The data submitted in support of the requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for kaki/Japanese persimmons and cultivated fungi. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of fluxapyroxad on the commodities under consideration at the validated LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of fluxapyroxad, according to the reported agricultural practices, is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The long‐term consumer risk assessment is indicative, pending the submission of the confirmatory data requested under the MRL review.

Vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID-19 hospitalization was evaluated among immunocompetent adults (≥18 years) during March-August 2021 using a case-control design. Among 1669 hospitalized COVID-19 cases (11% fully vaccinated) and 1950 RT-PCR-negative controls (54% fully vaccinated), VE was 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93%-98%) among patients with no chronic medical conditions and 83% (95% CI, 76%-88%) among patients with ≥ 3 categories of conditions. VE was similar between those aged 18-64 years versus ≥65 years (P > .05). VE against severe COVID-19 was very high among adults without chronic conditions and lessened with increasing comorbidity burden.

BackgroundAs severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination coverage increases in the United States, there is a need to understand the real-world effectiveness against severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and among people at increased risk for poor outcomes.MethodsIn a multicenter case-control analysis of US adults hospitalized March 11-May 5, 2021, we evaluated vaccine effectiveness to prevent COVID-19 hospitalizations by comparing odds of prior vaccination with a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) between cases hospitalized with COVID-19 and hospital-based controls who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.ResultsAmong 1212 participants, including 593 cases and 619 controls, median age was 58 years, 22.8% were Black, 13.9% were Hispanic, and 21.0% had immunosuppression. SARS-CoV-2 lineage B0.1.1.7 (Alpha) was the most common variant (67.9% of viruses with lineage determined). Full vaccination (receipt of 2 vaccine doses ≥14 days before illness onset) had been received by 8.2% of cases and 36.4% of controls. Overall vaccine effectiveness was 87.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 80.7-91.3). Vaccine effectiveness was similar for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, and highest in adults aged 18-49 years (97.4%; 95% CI, 79.3-9.7). Among 45 patients with vaccine-breakthrough COVID hospitalizations, 44 (97.8%) were ≥50 years old and 20 (44.4%) had immunosuppression. Vaccine effectiveness was lower among patients with immunosuppression (62.9%; 95% CI,20.8-82.6) than without immunosuppression (91.3%; 95% CI, 85.6-94.8).ConclusionDuring March-May 2021, SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines were highly effective for preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations among US adults. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was beneficial for patients with immunosuppression, but effectiveness was lower in the immunosuppressed population.

Abstract Background In 2015, the World Health Organization recommended that all people living with HIV begin antiretroviral treatment (ART) regardless of immune status, a policy known as ‘Treat-All to end AIDS’, commonly referred to as Treat-All. Almost all low- and middle-income countries adopted this policy by 2019. This study describes how linkage to treatment of newly diagnosed persons changed between 2015 and 2018 and how complementary policies may have similarly increased linkage for 13 African countries. These countries adopted and implemented Treat-All policies between 2015 and 2018 and were supported by the U.S. Government’s President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The focuses of this research were to understand 1) linkage rates to ART initiation before and after the adoption of Treat-All in each country; 2) how Treat-All implementation differed across these countries; and 3) whether complementary policies (including same-day treatment initiation, task-shifting, reduced ART visits, and reduced ART pickups) implemented around the same time may have increased ART linkage. Methods HIV testing and treatment data were collected by PEPFAR country programs in 13 African countries from 2015 to 2018. These countries were chosen based on the completeness of policy data and availability of program data during the study period. Program data were used to calculate proxy linkage rates. These rates were compared relative to the Treat All adoption period and the adoption of complementary policies. Results The 13 countries experienced an average increase in ART linkage of 29.3% over the entire study period. In examining individual countries, all but two showed increases in linkage to treatment immediately after Treat All adoption. Across all countries, those that had adopted four or more complementary policies showed an average increased linkage of 39.8% compared to 13.9% in countries with fewer than four complementary policies. Conclusions Eleven of 13 country programs examined in this study demonstrated an increase in ART linkage after Treat-All policy adoption. Increases in linkage were associated with complementary policies. When exploring new public health policies, policymakers may consider which complementary policies might also help achieve the desired outcome of the public health policy.

ObjectivesTo characterize the clinical severity of covid-19 associated with the alpha, delta, and omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants among adults admitted to hospital and to compare the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines to prevent hospital admissions related to each variant.DesignCase-control study.Setting21 hospitals across the United States.Participants11 690 adults (≥18 years) admitted to hospital: 5728 with covid-19 (cases) and 5962 without covid-19 (controls). Patients were classified into SARS-CoV-2 variant groups based on viral whole genome sequencing, and, if sequencing did not reveal a lineage, by the predominant circulating variant at the time of hospital admission: alpha (11 March to 3 July 2021), delta (4 July to 25 December 2021), and omicron (26 December 2021 to 14 January 2022).Main outcome measuresVaccine effectiveness calculated using a test negative design for mRNA vaccines to prevent covid-19 related hospital admissions by each variant (alpha, delta, omicron). Among patients admitted to hospital with covid-19, disease severity on the World Health Organization's clinical progression scale was compared among variants using proportional odds regression.ResultsEffectiveness of the mRNA vaccines to prevent covid-19 associated hospital admissions was 85% (95% confidence interval 82% to 88%) for two vaccine doses against the alpha variant, 85% (83% to 87%) for two doses against the delta variant, 94% (92% to 95%) for three doses against the delta variant, 65% (51% to 75%) for two doses against the omicron variant; and 86% (77% to 91%) for three doses against the omicron variant. In-hospital mortality was 7.6% (81/1060) for alpha, 12.2% (461/3788) for delta, and 7.1% (40/565) for omicron. Among unvaccinated patients with covid-19 admitted to hospital, severity on the WHO clinical progression scale was higher for the delta versus alpha variant (adjusted proportional odds ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.11 to 1.46), and lower for the omicron versus delta variant (0.61, 0.49 to 0.77). Compared with unvaccinated patients, severity was lower for vaccinated patients for each variant, including alpha (adjusted proportional odds ratio 0.33, 0.23 to 0.49), delta (0.44, 0.37 to 0.51), and omicron (0.61, 0.44 to 0.85).ConclusionsmRNA vaccines were found to be highly effective in preventing covid-19 associated hospital admissions related to the alpha, delta, and omicron variants, but three vaccine doses were required to achieve protection against omicron similar to the protection that two doses provided against the delta and alpha variants. Among adults admitted to hospital with covid-19, the omicron variant was associated with less severe disease than the delta variant but still resulted in substantial morbidity and mortality. Vaccinated patients admitted to hospital with covid-19 had significantly lower disease severity than unvaccinated patients for all the variants.

In the context of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, mathematical modelling has played a fundamental role for making forecasts, simulating scenarios and evaluating the impact of preventive political, social and pharmaceutical measures. Optimal control theory represents a useful mathematical tool to plan the vaccination campaign aimed at eradicating the pandemic as fast as possible. The aim of this work is to explore the optimal prioritisation order for planning vaccination campaigns able to achieve specific goals, as the reduction of the amount of infected, deceased and hospitalized in a given time frame, among age classes. For this purpose, we introduce an age stratified SIR-like epidemic compartmental model settled in an abstract framework for modelling two-doses vaccination campaigns and conceived with the description of COVID19 disease. Compared to other recent works, our model incorporates all stages of the COVID-19 disease, including death or recovery, without accounting for additional specific compartments that would increase computational complexity and that are not relevant for our purposes. Moreover, we introduce an optimal control framework where the model is the state problem while the vaccine doses administered are the control variables. An extensive campaign of numerical tests, featured in the Italian scenario and calibrated on available data from Dipartimento di Protezione Civile Italiana, proves that the presented framework can be a valuable tool to support the planning of vaccination campaigns. Indeed, in each considered scenario, our optimization framework guarantees noticeable improvements in terms of reducing deceased, infected or hospitalized individuals with respect to the baseline vaccination policy.

Abstract The applicant Arysta Life Science Great Britain Limited submitted a request to the competent national authority in Croatia to evaluate the confirmatory data that were identified for quizalofop‐P‐tefuryl in the framework of the maximum residue level (MRL) review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as not available. Since Article 12 data gaps were also set for the two other quizalofop‐P variants sharing the same residue definitions for risk assessment and monitoring, EFSA included in the present assessment all quizalofop‐P variants: quizalofop‐P‐ethyl, quizalofop‐P‐tefuryl and propaquizafop. Moreover, in the application submitted to Croatia, the applicant also included a request to modify the existing MRLs for quizalofop‐P‐tefuryl in grapes, sunflower seeds and soyabeans in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. To address the data gaps, new data on hydrolysis efficiency of quizalofop‐P‐tefuryl, quizalofop acid, quizalofop‐pentanoic acid and quizalofop‐P‐glycerate in different matrices of animal origin in accordance with the guidance document SANTE/2020/12830 Rev.1 were submitted, along with a validated analytical method for animal commodities. EFSA concluded that the data gap on validation of the efficiency of the extraction and hydrolysis included in the enforcement method of residues in livestock animal commodities was only fully addressed for muscle, poultry liver and eggs. Regarding plant commodities, the remaining data gaps were not addressed. EFSA also considered data gaps for quizalofop‐p‐ethyl in caraway as sufficiently addressed in the context of a previous MRL application. In general, the new information provided required a revision of the existing MRLs for several commodities of plant and animal origin. Further risk management considerations are required. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of quizalofop‐P‐tefuryl according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Abstract In compliance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA received from the European Commission in 2020 a mandate to provide its reasoned opinion on the toxicological properties and maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the benzimidazole substances carbendazim and thiophanate‐methyl. Specifically, EFSA was asked to assess whether thiophanate‐methyl or carbendazim has clastogenic potential and, in case clastogenic potential can be excluded, to derive toxicological reference values necessary for consumer risk assessment and assessment of maximum residue levels (MRLs). Although these active substances are no longer authorised within the European Union, MRLs were established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (codex maximum residue limits; CXLs), and import tolerances are in place. Based on the assessment of the available data, toxicological reference values and MRL proposals were derived and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Some information required by the regulatory framework was found to be missing and a possible acute risk to consumers was identified. Hence, the consumer risk assessment was considered indicative only and all MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers. In October 2022, to ensure that MRLs derived by EFSA in its assessment of 2021 are safe for consumers also in view of endocrine‐disrupting properties, EFSA was requested to carry out a follow‐up assessment taking into account the scientific criteria for identifying endocrine disruptors (ED). Based on the outcome of the assessment, the experts agreed that the reference values are also covering the concern related to the identified hazards indicative of endocrine disruption for thiophanate‐methyl. No further considerations on the impact of the ED assessment on the current reference values were needed for carbendazim since the ED criteria are not met for this substance. Therefore, the risk assessment and the MRL recommendations derived in 2021 are confirmed.