France has halted the importation of fresh fruits and vegetables treated with thiacloprid. This decision, announced by the French agriculture ministry, puts a temporary one-year ban on such imports, pending broader protective measures from the European Union. The ban targets produce treated with an insecticide not permitted in France since September 2018 and the EU since February 2021, despite its continued use globally.
This action comes amidst vocal protests from French farmers, who argue against the influx of cheaper, pesticide-treated imports, challenging local regulations and escalating production costs. The announcement precedes a scheduled debate between President Macron and agricultural stakeholders, aiming to quell the discontent that has seen tractors blockade French roads. The European Food Safety Authority classifies thiacloprid as a category 2 carcinogen, highlighting its significant health risks.
Source: bnnbloomberg.ca