EU proposal to ease pesticide rules faces criticism over health risks

The European Union is expected to approve a proposal in 2026 to simplify the approval process for pesticides, but Sweden’s Chemicals Agency and researchers at Stockholm University have raised concerns.

Katarina Lundberg of the Swedish Chemicals Agency warned that the change could weaken protections for health and the environment.

Earlier this week, researchers at Stockholm University revealed that the manufacturer of the pesticide fluazinam, approved in the EU in 2008, had submitted inaccurate data failing to disclose that the substance may affect brain development. The findings were reported by SVT in collaboration with several European media outlets.

Axel Mie, a researcher and co-author of the study, criticised the EU’s pesticide approval system, stating: “Right now, I don’t believe our approval system for pesticides can deliver the safety we want. We find it hard to believe this is the only case.”

Under the current system, companies producing pesticides are responsible for testing their safety, with EU authorities reviewing the results. In the case of fluazinam, manufacturer ISK Biosciences told SVT it trusts the regulatory process. However, Mie argues there is a conflict of interest, as testing firms aim to produce scientifically sound reports while also seeking to satisfy their clients.

“The testing company wants to produce a scientifically good report, but they also want a satisfied customer. There’s an incentive here that we believe is unhealthy,” Mie said.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) told SVT that the EU’s pesticide assessment process relies on transparent, scientific reviews by multiple independent authorities.

Under the proposed new EU legislation, already approved pesticides would no longer face re-evaluations. The Swedish government has previously supported the proposal, but Mie highlights potential risks to human health.

The Chemicals Agency also opposes the new proposal. “It’s clearly problematic, not least based on the research from Stockholm University,” Lundberg said.

Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (Liberal Party) did not directly address SVT’s questions about the new regulations but stated: “Swedish consumers want a clean environment and a toxin-free daily life, and they expect politicians to legislate away dangerous substances. It’s important that the industry actively works to find better plant protection products that do what they should without harming people or our nature.”