Cherries on tree

...if they have been treated with the insecticide active ingredient thiacloprid. The decree initially applies for one year or will be withdrawn as soon as the EU Commission lowers the maximum residue limits for thiacloprid.

France already took a similar national unilateral actions in 2016  and 2023 for imported cherries.

France had previously tried in vain to get the EU Commission to lower the maximum residue levels for thiacloprid after the EFSA had confirmed its health risks in an opinion.

 

The active ingredient is believed to be carcinogenic, toxic to reproduction and an endocrine disruptor. Thiacloprid has been banned in France since 2018. It belongs to the group of neonicotinoids, which are also considered extremely harmful to pollinating insects.

 

Against this backdrop, it remains incomprehensible why the European Parliament did not want to approve a reduction in the maximum residue limits.

 

YOUR PLUS: We naturally also analyse fruit and vegetables for this active ingredient. When evaluating the results, we adhere to the applicable EU regulations, but also take national restrictions into account.

 

Author: Dr Frank Mörsberger