active substance for pesticides
A substance that acts against harmful organisms, such as pests or diseases, which affect plants
An active substance is the part of a pesticide product that is responsible for controlling pests, such as insects, weeds, or fungi. It is the main ingredient that provides the intended protective effect, while the other components in the product (formulation ingredients) help with application, stability, or absorption.
EFSA evaluates active substances to assess their safety for humans, animals, and the environment. This includes studying their toxicity, potential for contamination of food or water, and the levels people might be exposed to through diet. Based on this assessment, EFSA provides scientific advice to regulators on whether the active substance can be approved for use, sets safe residue limits in food, and helps ensure that pesticide use does not pose unacceptable risks to public health or the environment.