#627 Toxicity studies on metabolites

Objective of the study

If metabolites in plants or in animal products, soil or groundwater differ from those in animals used for the toxicology studies, or are detected in low proportions in animals, further toxicological testing with these metabolites may need to be carried out.

Circumstances under which the study is recommended to be required

Toxicity studies on metabolites are done on a case by case basis, taking into account the amount of metabolite and the chemical structure of the metabolite compared to the parent.

Test organism

The test organism depends on the study that is conducted.

Test substance

Metabolite(s) of concern

Typical endpoints of the study

Typical endpoints depend on the study that is conducted.

Test guidelines

The following guidelines may be used to determine the toxicological relevance of metabolites:

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Scientific Opinion on Evaluation of the Toxicological Relevance of Pesticide Metabolites for Dietary Risk Assessment (2012)