Type: Insecticide.
Pesticide family: Neonicotinoid.
Health hazards: Neurotoxic to humans, especially dangerous for the unborn and young children. Endocrine disruptor that may lead to infertility.
Environmental hazards: Toxic to bees and other arthropods (insects). Water soluble, moves in soil and plants, contaminating wild flowers and sometimes even organic crops.
Exposure: Authorised in pesticides in all Member States but France: AT, BE, BG, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, EL, ES, FI, HR, HU, IE, IT, LT, LU, LV, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK.
Residue present in food: In August 2024, consecutive to PAN Europe's communication of new scientific evidence on neurotoxicity, the European Commission lowered the maximum residue limits (MRLs) on a wide range of products. Reduced to the limit of determination (LOD) of 0.01–0.05 mg/kg on bananas, currants, asparagus, lettuces, escaroles, chards, and spinach. Levels above 0.5 mg/kg are maintained in honey, citrus fruits, loquats, cherries, berries and table olives.
Regulatory state of play: Initially approved in 2005, prolonged untill 2033. In September 2024 PAN Europe asked the EU Commission to withdraw acetamiprid from the market because of its developmental neurotoxicity.
Main use: On a wide range of crops and as biocide to kill insects and other arthropods. It is also sold to citizens in garden centres.
