From 1 September 2008, the maximum legal limits on the level of pesticides allowed in food items sold in the EU will dramatically increase. Dietary exposure to pesticides is set to rise while many residue limits will become unsafe for consumers. The development follows new legislation from the European Commission intended to harmonise food standards across the EU.

Concerned at the growth in dietary exposure to pesticides, Natuur en Milieu, and PAN Europe, an umbrella group of European health and environmental organisations, have issued a legal challenge to the new legislation. ‘The Commission has failed to deliver on its obligation to set legal limits at the lowest achievable level’, said Hans Muilerman, spokesperson for Natuur en Milieu. ‘There is also no consideration of the cumulative effects that pesticides have on human health. Legal action is now necessary to force the Commission to think again.’

PAN Europe: Press Release (28 August)
Greenpeace: Press Release (28 August)
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Background Paper
Legal Summary

Press Pack: FRANCAIS