European scientists sign open letter on relaxation of pesticide regulations
More than 500 scientists and doctors from the EU are calling on the European Parliament to suspend its consideration of new European regulations on food safety, agriculture and animal feed. They urge that an independent investigation into the health and environmental impacts be carried out first.
The proposed measures form part of the Food and Feed Safety Omnibus. The initiator of the open letter is Leiden Professor of Ecotoxicology, Martina Vijver. ‘We are already finding traces of pesticides everywhere: in surface water, nature reserves and our blood and urine. Scientific research shows that exposure to these toxic substances is associated with an increased risk of diseases such as cancer and Parkinson’s disease.’
Suspend consideration
Vijver took the initiative to draft the open letter, which was signed within a few days by more than 500 scientists and doctors from across the EU and submitted to the European Parliament on 17 September. The signatories are calling for consideration of the Food and Feed Safety Omnibus (see below) to be temporarily suspended until an independent impact assessment has been carried out.
In addition to the legislative package’s impact on public health and the environment, the authors of the letter argue that its implications for the economy, legal frameworks, mandates and the transition to a sustainable food system should also be examined.
The letter is addressed to Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and to the chairs of the parliamentary committees on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, and Agriculture and Rural Development.
European rules on food, animal feed and agriculture
The Food and Feed Safety Omnibus is a European legislative package intended to streamline a range of rules relating to food, animal feed, and agriculture. One objective is to reduce administrative burdens for businesses and public authorities and to speed up procedures. The proposal includes changes to the rules governing the re-evaluation of pesticides.
Independent assessment beforehand
The signatories are concerned about the potential consequences of the proposed legislation. They point to growing scientific evidence suggesting that the effects of pesticides on human health and the environment may be greater than was understood when these substances were initially approved.
They therefore argue that such substances should be periodically re-evaluated. ‘Periodic re-evaluation is essential to ensure continued compliance with the safety standards expected by society’, says Vijver.
The request was presented as an open letter because the European Parliament is due to consider the proposal on 18 September. The letter notes that the proposal would amend ten separate pieces of European food and feed safety legislation. The authors argue that a reform of this scale requires an independent assessment beforehand.
The letter refers to previously published analyses, reports and scientific studies that raise critical questions about various aspects of the proposal.
Signatories from a range of disciplines
The signatories represent a wide range of disciplines, including ecology, toxicology, medicine, public health, physics and law. Experts in environmental protection have also signed the letter, alongside researchers from more than 20 European institutions.
‘We are not advocating a particular political outcome. We are simply calling for adequate scientific evidence before such far-reaching changes are introduced’, says Vijver.
Hearing
Vijver attended a European Parliament hearing on the Food and Feed Safety Omnibus on 2 September. ‘This letter demonstrates that many scientists and doctors, including myself, are concerned about this legislative proposal. I hope it will lead to a pause in the process and the launch of an independent investigation.’