PRIMo rev.1 – Pesticide Residue Intake Model

In the safety assessments of EU maximum residues levels (MRLs) for pesticides, or proposals for MRLs, the chronic and acute dietary consumer exposure to pesticide residues is estimated by using a calculation model developed by EFSA (PRIMo – Pesticide Residue Intake Model). The model is based on national food consumption figures and unit weights provided by Member States and implements internationally agreed risk assessment methodologies to assess the short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) exposure of consumers.

The calculation model was initially developed by EFSA for the risk assessment of temporary MRLs. A revised version of the model for calculating the acute and chronic consumer exposure (revision 2) with additional features for refined intake calculations is also available. The revised PRIMo model and instructions for its use can be downloaded below.

In the safety assessments of EU maximum residues levels (MRLs) for pesticides, or proposals for MRLs, the chronic and acute dietary consumer exposure to pesticide residues is estimated by using a calculation model developed by EFSA (PRIMo – Pesticide Residue Intake Model). The model is based on national food consumption figures and unit weights provided by Member States and implements internationally agreed risk assessment methodologies to assess the short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) exposure of consumers.

The calculation model revision 1 was initially developed by EFSA for the risk assessment screening of temporary MRLs. A revised version of the model for calculating the acute and chronic consumer exposure (revision 2) with additional features  is also available.