Popular fruit and vegetable insecticide a health risk for humans

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed that the primary insecticide used to protect fruit and vegetables crops worldwide, called Dimethoate, could be harmful to humans. This follows a request from France calling for a Europe-wide ban on the substance. The report from EFSA raises concerns about the insecticide's toxicity for human health; some US scientific research identified a cancer risk and it is suspected of causing birth defects. Dimethoate is widely used to kill mites and insects on a number of crops including citrus, cotton, fruit, olives, potatoes, tea, tobacco and vegetables; it is also permitted for the control of flies in livestock accommodation, home gardens and food storage; the substance is produced by around 39 companies worldwide.

Following a request by France relating to emergency measures with regard to the use of dimethoate on vegetables and orchards/fruits and the placing on the market of cherries from Member States or third countries where the use of such plant protection products is authorised, the European Commission asked EFSA in accordance with Article 69 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and Article 53 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 to perform a preliminary acute and chronic risk assessment for dimethoate. Based on the supporting information provided by France and other relevant sources, EFSA concluded that the data are not sufficient to clearly exclude a consumer health risk. A comprehensive review of the existing EU MRLs would be appropriate to derive a final opinion on possible risks for consumers resulting from residues of dimethoate and its metabolites in food. EFSA has established a list of data/information that would be required to address the identified gaps.