That was the result of an evaluation of the EU pesticide database, the consumer organization announced. Some approvals have been extended beyond the original approval expiry date by many years – without the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) carrying out a new safety assessment.
“The EU pesticide approval system has so many shortcomings that reform is urgently needed,” said Lars Neumeister of Foodwatch. Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir has to campaign for this in Brussels.
Specifically, the organization is demanding higher approval fees for pesticide manufacturers so that EU authorities have sufficient financial resources for risk assessments. In addition, all pesticides whose approval has been renewed without a new EFSA assessment must immediately be withdrawn from the market.
An active substance used in a plant protection product in the EU must be approved by the European Commission. The permit is usually valid for ten years. Manufacturers can then apply for an extension, where data must be included. In case of doubt, however, an authorization can also be extended for a limited period until a new extension has been definitively investigated.
(SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
