Further Insecticide Ban?

The EU is looking to extend its pesticides ban.  Following the decision of EU’s Executive on 24^th May to restrict the use of three common neonicontinoid seed treatments (see Bulletin 04(13)) from 1^st December, the EU is now considering widening the ban to include the BASF insecticide Fipronil.  Analysis carried out by the European Commission Food Safety Association (EFSA) concluded its use on maize posed a ‘high acute risk’ to bees.  Its use on vegetables posed a ‘low risk’.  Member States are expected to discuss the findings on July 15^th and 16^th.