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Despite their ban in the EU, six reprotoxic pesticides, including Thiacloprid and Mancozeb, are still present in imported food. Two other pesticides are still not banned, because the EU is dragging its feet.

Many common food items contain PFAS pesticides. We recently revealed this in our Toxic Harvest report. Our member, Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) now analysed the results from the UK government’s residue testing programme.

This week a ‘hidden’ report by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) was finally revealed. This report from 2016 sheds light on the genotoxic risk of glyphosate, the most used herbicide in the world.

Spring feels like a new start to life. The emerging sun shines on the fresh green leaves and flowers. Buzzing bees and chirping birds enchant the air and warm the heart. Many people visit garden centres to buy new ‘Bee Friendly’ plants for their garden or balcony.

The EU is planning to continue its toxic legacy. Despite the known dangers to health and the environment, no less than 20 pesticides are to receive an extended permit. Four of them are PFAS.

A new opinion poll shows that 70% of Dutch people think that pesticide use should be reduced by 50% by 2030. The same survey shows that 73% of Dutch people think the 30 most toxic pesticides should be banned by 2030.

The airborne spread of pesticides is seriously underestimated. A new study in Italy shows that pesticides spread in the apple-growing region of South Tyrol do not remain in the orchards. They spread throughout the valley and end up high up in the mountains.

This week our new report reveals an alarming rise in PFAS pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables. PFAS pesticides can harm our health and the environment. Pesticide producers umbrella organisation CropLife says their use is safe and well regulated.

The EFSA is using outdated and very industry friendly guidelines to assess the effect of pesticides on insects. We have urged the European Commission to revise a very important guideline. It is one of those hidden documents that allow immense damage to biodiversity.

Last week the European Commission announced that they will withdraw their proposal for a new law to reduce pesticide use. However, doing nothing to address the pesticide problem is not an option. Soils are depleted, water is polluted and biodiversity is in crisis.