MEPs Block Commission’s Proposal to Allow Residue Levels of Banned Pesticides in Imported Food

Pesticides: Imported food free from residues of pesticides banned in the EU

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Today, Parliament rejected two Commission proposals that would have permitted residue levels of certain pesticides, which are banned in the EU, in imported food.

Today, Parliament turned down two decisions from the Commission that would have permitted import tolerances, or maximum residue levels, for the pesticides cyproconazole and spirodiclofen in a wide range of items including cereals, seeds, meat, liver, and kidney. Additionally, the decision would have allowed tolerances for benomyl, carbendazim, and thiophanate-methyl in specific products like lemons, limes, mandarins, and okra. It's important to note that the use of these pesticides is already prohibited within the EU.

The resolutions highlighted emphasize that agricultural products brought in from countries outside the EU must meet the same regulations as those produced within the EU to maintain fair competition. Permitting higher residue limits for imported goods could also pose a risk to the health of individuals both in Europe and in the countries where these products originate.

A total of 522 Members of the European Parliament supported the objection to the Commission's ruling on cyproconazole and spirodiclofen, while 127 opposed it and 28 chose to abstain.

A total of 516 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) supported the objection related to benomyl, carbendazim, and thiophanate-methyl, while 129 opposed it and 27 chose to abstain.

To overturn the Commission's decisions, a minimum of 359 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) had to vote against it.

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The Commission is being urged to retract its current proposals. Members of the European Parliament are demanding that the Commission present a revised draft that reduces all maximum residue levels to the lowest detectable amount or a default value of 0.01 mg/kg for all applications. Additionally, they are insisting that the Commission reject any requests for import tolerances.

Contacts:

Thomas HAAHR

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