Thiacloprid: Parliament objects to maximum residue levels of banned insecticide

A Commission decision on maximum residue levels of the insecticide thiacloprid was voted down today by the European Parliament.

386 MEPs voted in favour of the objection to the Commission’s decision to maintain the maximum residue levels of the insecticide thiacloprid above the limit of determination for use in more than 30 products for import purposes. 186 MEPs voted against the objection and 52 MEPs abstained. An absolute majority of at least 353 MEPs was needed for the objection to pass.

Next steps

The Commission must now withdraw its proposal. MEPs call on the Commission to submit a new draft lowering all maximum residue levels for thiacloprid to the limit of determination for all uses and with zero tolerance for imports.

Background

Thiacloprid is an active ingredient in insecticides mainly used on cotton, pome fruit, vegetables, and potatoes. The approval of thiacloprid in the EU expired on 3 February 2020, and was not renewed as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) identified concerns related to groundwater contamination and toxicity for reproduction as thiacloprid is likely to damage fertility and the unborn child. In addition, the assessment of risks to bees and non-target terrestrial plants was not finalised.