On Thursday, a research study revealed that pesticides contain substances that can be harmful to the brain – and that manufacturers cover up the data from European authorities. Among other things, it concerns the substance Fluazinam, which is used against fungal attacks in the cultivation of onions and potatoes in Sweden. Another substance is Abamectin, which is used against insect attacks in crop production in the EU.
The trade association responds
The trade association Swedish Plant Protection represents eight companies that supply pesticides in Sweden. They do not want to participate in an interview but write in an email that they have not yet had time to familiarize themselves with the study, but take the information seriously.
"We take this very seriously because we have a very good and far-reaching regulatory framework that we trust. For us, it is extremely important that others can also trust the regulations. Therefore, we need to find out what has happened and if something has gone wrong, "writes the organization to SVT News.
The organization also writes that it has been in contact with the Swedish Chemicals Agency and member companies that have products on the Swedish market - where one of the substances is present.
"As an industry association, we naturally take it seriously if someone has not complied with applicable regulations. However, as I said, we need to find out more about this."
The company rejects
SVT News has also searched for companies that appeared in the researchers' review. One company has responded and writes that they do not agree with the premise of the investigation.
"We have fulfilled all data requests from the EU and Switzerland and provided relevant study data in accordance with regulatory requirements".