pesticide

A pesticide is any chemical or biological substance used to prevent, control, or eliminate pests that can harm crops or food products. This includes herbicides (for weeds), insecticides (for insects), fungicides (for fungi), and other agents that help protect food production.

In the EU, pesticide assessment follows a structured process to ensure food safety. Companies submit data on the pesticide’s properties, toxicology, residues, and environmental impact to a rapporteur Member State, which performs an initial evaluation. EFSA then conducts a thorough risk assessment, examining human toxicity, consumer dietary exposure, residues in food, and environmental effects. Based on this, EFSA proposes safe Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). The assessment undergoes peer review and public consultation before the European Commission and Member States decide on approval, use conditions, and legal limits. Post-market monitoring ensures ongoing compliance and consumer protection. EFSA provides the independent scientific foundation for all these decisions.