Pesticides: Commission bans a neonicotinoid from EU market

Today, the European Commission decided not to renew the approval of a neonicotinoid called thiacloprid, following scientific advice by EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) that the substance presents health and environmental concerns. This is the 4th neonicotinoid, out of 5 that were approved earlier for use in the EU, for which restrictions of use or a ban have been adopted since 2013. Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, in charge of Health and Food Safety,said: “The scientific advice from EFSA is clear: there are environmental concerns related to the use of this pesticide, particularly its impact on groundwater, but also related to human health, in reproductive toxicity. Today’s adoption is yet another clear demonstration of the Commission’s commitment to protect the health of EU citizens and our environment, with evidence of this priority being the farm to fork strategy within the European Green Deal.” The Regulation adopted today will be published in the Official Journal in the coming days.