Maintaining the processing factor database and preparing for its migration to IUCLID

The project encompasses a couple of tasks preparing for the migration of the EU database of processing factors for pesticide residues to the IUCLID environment. Furthermore, the existing EU database will be extended with additional processing studies.

Preparing for the migration of xlsx PF database to IUCLID:Changes for OHT 85-9 and its Summary OHT in IUCLID were proposed.Mapping xlsx tables were generated and proposals made for migrating the xlsx PF database to IUCLID and, on the opposite, for drawing information from IUCLID to the PF database. It was noted that various entries in the PF database contain information, which is currently not foreseen in IUCLID to be entered in specific fields, such as additional codes, details on processing conditions, analytical methods or assessments results (for storage stability, the representativity of processing conditions, the suitability of the analytical method or the acceptability of processing factors). In order to attach this information to migrated data in IUCLID, it is proposed to use a harmonised, structured string format in various free text fields. A couple of problems were identified which still have to be solved when transferring the existing xlsx PF database and its further maintenance to IUCLID. For example, an overarching assessment tool is needed which allows to combine processing studies from different IUCLID dossiers for the calculation of median processing factors. While IUCLID follows a dossier-centered approach, the aim should be to provide the most reliable PF possible which often requires the consideration of data from more than one dossier.
Maintenance and extension of the existing xlsx PF database:The third update of this database was realized. The database now contains all processing studies submitted on EU level until the end of 2024 and all additional processing studies which have been made available by EU MS or other stakeholders. The database now contains 2838 studies, 19384 individual and 4564 median processing factors, all having been evaluated according to up-to-date residue definitions and storage stability information and in accordance with the set of quality criteria applied to all processing studies in this database. Processing factors were derived, and their reliability judged. Oat flour and soya flour production were added to the compendium of representative processing techniques. All supporting documents have been updated.