A recent European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) technical report has summarized emerging chemical risks to food safety identified by the agency and its processes for doing so, covering the period 2020–2023.
For the first time in 40 years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has used an emergency order to immediately stop the use of a pesticide; specifically, DCPA a.k.a. Dacthal, which is a weed-killer used on produce that can affect fetal health and development.
Pesticide residues were detected in 92 percent of conventionally grown Dutch strawberries, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other toxic chemicals were found in more than two-thirds of samples, according to a recent, small-scale study from Pesticide Action Network Netherlands.
The Center for Food Safety and other stakeholder groups have petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling for a ban on the use of PFAS as pesticide ingredients, or as components in pesticide containers.
According to the latest California Pesticide Residue Monitoring Annual Report from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), 97 percent of fresh produce samples collected across the state contain no pesticide residues exceeding health-protective thresholds set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently suggested lowering the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for acetamiprid after scientific evidence was published that raised uncertainties about its toxicity. EFSA also recommends lowering the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for acetamiprid in food crops, as current MRLs pose a health risk to consumers.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to cancel all agricultural uses of the pesticide acephate due to dietary risks from drinking water for currently registered uses of the chemical.
A recent study comparing the presence of chemical contaminants in conventionally and hydroponically grown produce found pesticide residues and toxic heavy metals in a larger number of conventional samples than in hydroponic samples. Phthalate levels were consistent between conventional and hydroponic samples.
The EU Court of Justice has made three rulings that set a precedent requiring Member States to consider more modern, comprehensive scientific literature in their pesticide safety assessments.
