An independent scientific assessment commissioned by the Dutch Parliament concludes that the Food and Feed Safety Omnibus proposal will not achieve its stated objectives. Instead, it raises concerns over the protection of human health and the environment, and the shifting of the burden of proof from pesticide producers to society. The findings presented today at the Dutch Parliament confirm what PAN Europe has long warned: the European Commission’s proposal will cut costs for the pesticide industry at the expense of public health and nature. Policymakers can take action to correct the damage that this proposal causes.
While the Omnibus proposal is presented as a simplification effort, the scientists conclude that it will not simplify regulation, reduce administrative burden, or accelerate authorisations for biocontrol products as promised. Instead, the assessment identifies several major risks. The proposal:
- Will not create a level playing field for old and new substances and will not lead to accelerated innovation and approvals
- Shift the burden of proof from pesticide producers to public authorities or other actors, moving responsibility away from industry and weakening the precautionary approach.
- Will allow harmful substances to remain on the market longer by granting approvals for unlimited periods and removing periodic re-evaluations. Scientists warn this may not reduce workload as claimed, since ad hoc risk-based reviews would still be needed without clear criteria or responsibilities, potentially creating delays and additional administrative complexity, and a more politicised decision-making process.
The presentation of this report signals increasing concern among national policymakers about the consequences of the Omnibus proposal for EU food safety, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture. A follow-up of the Dutch parliamentary hearing on the Food and Feed Safety Omnibus is scheduled for 12 May.
“This report confirms what many across Europe fear: removing regular safety checks and shifting responsibility away from industry risks weakening the very protections that safeguard our health and environment against toxic pesticides,” said Salomé Roynel, Policy Officer at PAN Europe.
The scientists recommend:
- Maintain mandatory periodic re-evaluation of substances
- Preserve the precautionary principle, ensure producers remain responsible for demonstrating the safety of their products throughout their use
- Create targeted ‘green lanes’ to accelerate approval of clearly defined biocontrol products
- Avoid extensions of grace periods for substances posing risks
- Establish green lanes for biocontrol
Notes to the editor:
- The text in Dutch can be read here: Technische briefing over de EU-wetenschapstoets over het Vereenvoudigingspakket voedsel- en diervoederveiligheid | Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal
- Background on the Omnibus proposal, analysis, legal opinion, campaign: For Health, Bees and Farmers | PAN Europe
Contacts: Salomé Roynel, Policy Officer, salome [at] pan-europe.info, +32 (0) 2 318 62 55
