The new rules will reduce the existing MRLs for these substances to the lowest level that can be measured with the most modern technological means
The Commission has approved new rules which, once implemented, will lower the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of two pesticides in food. According to the evaluations carried out by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the two chemical substances clothianidin and thiamethoxam, which belong to the group of neonicotinoid pesticides, are extremely dangerous for bees and contribute to the global reduction of pollinators. Therefore, their use outdoors was already banned in the EU in 2018.
The new rules will reduce the existing MRLs for these substances to the lowest level that can be measured with the most modern technological means. They will apply to all products produced in the EU, but also to imported food and feed.
The Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Ms. Stella Kyriakidou, said: “On the issue of the use and risks of pesticides, we have made a clear commitment to protect the health of our citizens and the environment. Today’s measures, which also affect imported food, build on our decision in 2018 to ban the outdoor use of these two neonicotinoids within the EU as, for the first time, maximum pesticide residue limits will be lowered to address reducing pollinator populations and protecting the environment. As part of the ambitions of the ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy, we remain steadfast in our commitment to transition to sustainable food systems and protect pollinators.”
The Regulation implements the Commission’s objectives, announced in the Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy, to take environmental aspects into account when assessing requests for tolerances when importing pesticides that are no longer approved in the EU, in compliance with WTO standards and obligations. The measures will apply to imported products from 2026. Thus, third countries will be given time to comply with the new rules.
Athena Papakosta
Read the News today and get the latest news.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news.
I have worked as a journalist for over 10 years, and my work has been featured on many different news websites. I am also an author, and my work has been published in several books. I specialize in opinion writing, and I often write about current events and controversial topics. I am a very well-rounded writer, and I have a lot of experience in different areas of journalism. I am a very hard worker, and I am always willing to put in the extra effort to get the job done.
