Brussels flies into row over pesticides

The European Commission has been accused of meddling with UK farming after it introduced plans that would lead already cash-strapped consumers to face further food price increases.

The proposals, agreed by EU farm ministers in June, will see 15pc of pesticides used by UK farmers phased out or banned across the continent.

A second reading of the proposal in the European Parliament in October could lead to a further 80pc of agrochemicals being struck off the list of safe products, according to the UK's Pesticides Safety Directorate.

The Regulation shall be fully applicable on the 2 September 2008. Until that day, chapters II, III and V to the Regulation are not applicable; and the national MRL of each Member State for each pesticide/crop combination remains in force and operators/stakeholders should comply with the relevant national legislation.

Summary

The Regulation establishes the maximum residue levels( MRLs) of pesticides permitted in products of animal or vegetable origin that are intended for human or animal consumption.

These MRLs include, on the one hand, MRLs that are specific to particular foodstuffs that are intended for human or animal consumption and, on the other, a general level that applies where no specific MRL has been set.

The use of active substances in plant protection products is one of the best methods of protecting vegetables from harmful organisms. This use can, however, cause residues to be present in treated products, in animals fed with those products and in honey produced by bees exposed to these substances. 

The objective is to ensure that pesticide residues in foodstuffs do not constitute an unacceptable risk for consumer and animal health.

Foodstuffs concerned

The Regulation covers all products intended for human or animal consumption. These products are listed in Annex I drawn up by Regulation (EC) No 178/2006. These products are not subject to the set levels if they are intended for sowing or planting, authorised tests on active substances, manufacture of non-food products, or export outside the European Union.