Biotech Updates

EFSA Calls for Cuts in Active Substances Used in Pesticides

November 28, 2008

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has identified 13 active substances, chemicals and microorganisms, whose use should be cut in growing crops to protect human health. These include the fungicides azoxystrobin, vinclozolin and procymidone and the insecticides methomyl and thiodicarb. The Agency has recommended lower Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for these active substances, which have been identified by the European Commission as possible safety concerns for human health. In addition, for active substances not authorized in the European Union but which may be found as residues, EFSA recommended that MRLs be “set at the lowest level which can be measured through routine monitoring in line with usual Community practice.”

The European Union is currently reviewing its pesticide laws. EFSA said it started coordinating the review of MRLs for more than 300 pesticides in 2008 and aims to complete it by the end of 2010.

The press release is available at http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1211902194715.htm