19. The 1996 JMPR had considered: the prediction of dietary intake of pesticide residues; the relationship between Codex MRLs for pesticide, good agricultural practice (GAP) and food safety; estimation of extraneous residue limits; estimation of group maximum residue levels; use by the WHO Core Assessment Group of national evaluations of studies; and the interaction of pesticides.
20. Delegations and organizations welcomed the comments of JMPR on the potential interactions of pesticides, and encouraged the JMPR to give more attention to this area and to follow relevant research work so that advances in knowledge on such interaction could be used in evaluating pesticides. One delegation welcomed the use by the WHO Core Assessment Group of national evaluations of studies, and encouraged the FAO Panel to follow this approach.
21. Concern was expressed about the continuing problem of the late publication of JMPR reports and evaluations, which impedes the work of the Committee. The Committee recommended that FAO and WHO give a high priority to the work of the JMPR and publish reports and evaluations in a timely manner.
22. The Committee was informed that the FAO Manual on Submission and Evaluation of Residue Data had been completed and would be submitted for publication soon. The Manual contains all consolidated general principles that are currently being applied by the FAO Panel. It gives full information required for the estimation of residue levels of new compounds as well as those considered within the periodic review programme or re-evaluated for some specific reason. The Manual will improve the transparency of the work of the JMPR and promote consistency in submission of comprehensive data packages and in their evaluation.
