MEPs study pesticides plans

EU pesticides legislation should prevent a wide range of chemicals ending up in European food, according toa report discussed by the European Parliament’s environment committee yesterday (12 September).

The report, on ‘the placing of plant protection products on the market’, would introduce a ban on pesticides containing substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for human reproduction.

MEPs from the environment committee said that the list should be extended to cover substances thought to have an effect on the immune or nervous system.

German Green MEP Hiltrud Breyer said: "Consumers are exposed to a growing number of pesticide residues, notably in fruit and vegetables."

But the European Crop Protection Association (EPCA) said it was unnecessary to ban pesticides if exposure remained low.

Many EU farmers fear that the proposal, as amended by the environment committee, will lead to lower yields and will push up the price of crop production.

EU pesticides legislation should prevent a wide range of chemicals ending up in European food, according toa report discussed by the European Parliament’s environment committee yesterday (12 September).