The National Agency for Health Security (ANSES) announced on Thursday the withdrawal of the marketing authorization in France for Bayer’s herbicide Basta F1, considering that risks to human health cannot be ruled out.
Stocks of Basta F1 can be sold for three months by distributors and used for another nine months by farmers, starting from the date of the decision of 24 October, ANSES specifies.
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This herbicide, used as a spray on vines, orchards, vegetables and potatoes, is “the only pesticide based on glufosinate-ammonium authorized in France”.
“Risks for human health linked to exposure to glufosinate, a substance classified as presumed toxic for reproduction, cannot be ruled out, for the health” of the farmers who use it and of the people who are near the treated places, he explains the Agency in a statement.
The withdrawal also affects nine import licenses for products containing glufosinate ammonium, which will ultimately mean “the disappearance of all plant protection products” based on this substance from the French market.
A “useful, or rather essential” product.
Bayer said it was “surprised” by the decision. “We regret the decision of ANSES which deprives agriculture of a weed control solution recognized as useful, even essential by some sectors, even if studies demonstrate the safety of using the product for health when the conditions of ”use are respected”, comments Frank Garnier, president of Bayer France, in a press release.
Interviewer: Good day, everyone. I am [Your Name], the editor of Time.news, and today we have a special guest, Dr. Emma Laurent, a leading expert in agrochemicals and public health, here to discuss the recent decision by the National Agency for Health Security (ANSES) regarding Bayer’s herbicide, Basta F1. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Laurent.
Dr. Laurent: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to be here to discuss this important topic.
Interviewer: To start, can you give us some context on why ANSES decided to withdraw the marketing authorization for Basta F1?
Dr. Laurent: Certainly. ANSES concluded that the risks associated with Basta F1 to human health could not be ruled out. This evaluation is part of a larger trend where regulatory bodies are being increasingly vigilant about the safety of agricultural chemicals, particularly as new studies come to light about potential health impacts.
Interviewer: That’s interesting. What specific concerns were raised about Basta F1 that warranted this decision?
Dr. Laurent: While the specific details on the risk assessment have not been fully disclosed, it is widely acknowledged that many herbicides, including those containing glufosinate ammonium—Basta F1’s active ingredient—have been linked in studies to various health issues. These can range from respiratory problems to more severe long-term effects. ANSES thoroughly reviewed existing research and may have concluded that the herbicide posed an unacceptable risk.
Interviewer: What are the implications for farmers and distributors with this withdrawal in terms of stock management?
Dr. Laurent: The decision includes a phase-out period. Distributors can sell existing stocks of Basta F1 for three months, and farmers can use it for another nine months after that. This gives them time to find alternative solutions for their weed management strategies but also raises the stakes for ensuring they don’t end up with ineffective products in their arsenal.
Interviewer: What alternatives are available for farmers who might be relying on Basta F1?
Dr. Laurent: There are several alternatives, including herbicides with different active ingredients that may pose less risk to health and the environment. Integrated pest management strategies, which include crop rotation and the use of cover crops, can also be employed to manage weeds more sustainably. It’s important for farmers to stay informed about new regulations and innovations in agrochemicals.
Interviewer: As public awareness around health hazards from chemicals grows, how do you see the regulatory environment evolving in the future?
Dr. Laurent: I believe we will see a continued tightening of regulations globally. It’s likely that more chemicals will be scrutinized, and companies will need to invest more in research and development of safer products. Public demand for transparency and safer agricultural practices will also push for faster changes in how we approach pest management.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Laurent, for your insights on this matter. It’s clear that the conversation around agricultural chemicals and public health is more crucial than ever.
Dr. Laurent: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue to share knowledge and work toward safer farming practices for the benefit of all.
Interviewer: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. This discussion sheds light on an important issue that affects us all, from farmers to consumers. Stay informed, and we hope to see you next time on Time.news!