Pesticides: first cumulative risk reports published

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published the results of its two pilot assessments on the risks posed to humans by residues of multiple pesticides in food. The reports are the culmination of a multi-year collaboration between EFSA and the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

The first assessment considers chronic effects on the thyroid system and the second examines other acute effects on the nervous system. The documents were finalised following a two-month consultation period during which the EFSA received feedback from a variety of stakeholders, including national institutions, academia, non-governmental organisations and commercial associations.

The overall conclusion for both assessments is that consumer risk from dietary cumulative exposure is, with varying degrees of certainty, below the threshold that triggers regulatory action for all the population groups covered.

Assessments covering the effects of pesticides on other organs and body functions will follow in the coming years.

Source: EFSA, 29 April 2020