Several European chemical companies have failed to provide multiple studies on potential risks of their pesticides to the European Union. These include nine studies from Bayer, Syngenta, Nissan, and ISK that show harmful effects on developing brains.
A Swedish study published this week reveals that some test reports are included in applications for approval in the United States but were not submitted in EU applications.
Five of the nine missing studies have, through indirect means, reached the European food safety and chemical agencies (EFSA and ECHA) several years later. This led in some cases to subsequent adjustments of the safety margins.
Withholding safety studies is serious and concerning, said an EFSA spokesperson. The companies involved state they have always responded to EU inquiries about their studies.
Unique to European pesticide laws compared to the US is that the mere possibility of harmful effects can directly lead to rejection. There is an ethical and legal obligation for companies to share all studies, according to the Swedish researchers.
Swiss chemical company Syngenta from Basel rejects the allegations in a statement. The concerned studies were only conducted for US applications. Different studies would be required for the EU. "After later requests from the EU, all studies were provided by Syngenta."
Pascal Canfin, chair of the ENVI environment committee of the European Parliament, announced that he will request a public hearing in Brussels with agrochemical giants Bayer and Syngenta. “To address this potential fraud by Bayer and Syngenta regarding the toxicity of certain pesticides,” he said.