MEPs call for EU to eliminate tolerance for pesticide residues in imported food
MEPs in the European Parliament rejected two European Commission proposals on Wednesday (18 September) aimed at adjusting limits for residues of certain EU-banned chemicals in food, reaffirming their zero-tolerance policy for imported products. The rejection saw overwhelming support from various political groups, with only a few members of the EPP voting against it.
A total of 522 MEPs voted to reject the first proposal concerning cyproconazole and spirodiclofen, while 127 opposed and 28 abstained. The second proposal, which dealt with benomyl, carbendazim, and thiophanate-methyl, also faced rejection with 516 votes in favor, 129 against, and 27 abstaining.
The resolution’s lead rapporteur, Christophe Clergeau, emphasized that MEPs were standing up for European citizens demanding health protection and for farmers facing unfair competition from imports that do not meet EU standards. The vote outcome means that current residue levels will remain unchanged as the Commission must withdraw its proposals.
MEPs have called for a new regulation to set all maximum residue levels (MRLs) to ‘technical zero’ (0.01 mg/kg), eliminating any tolerance in imported food. This move reinforces the Parliament’s previous opposition to changes in chemical limits, as seen in January when a draft regulation on insecticide limits was rejected.
Despite the Commission’s argument that proposed changes were safe for consumers and beneficial for EU farmers, MEPs were not convinced. The rejected proposals aimed to mainly lower MRLs for many products, with some tolerance thresholds still maintained by the Commission.
Overall, the vote in Parliament signifies a victory for those advocating for stricter pesticide regulations and underscores the importance of protecting consumer health and ensuring fair competition for EU farmers.
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John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.