Archived press release

Clobber chlorpyrifos

9 June 2000

Friends of the Earth is demanding that Britain follows the American lead and bans the dangerous pesticide chlorpyrifos, which has been associated with brain damage in rats.

UK consumers are regularly exposed to this chemical in their diets. In recent years it has been found in apples, grapes, strawberries, oranges and celery [1]. It is also used in two home and garden pest control products - 'New Chlorophos' made by Home and Garden Ltd, and EM1340/8 made by Pan Britannica Industries Ltd [2]. FOE wants the UK Government to announce a ban at the start of National Food Safety Week (June 12th). FOE also wants garden centres and DIY stores to withdraw the products from their shelves.

Yesterday, the US Government announced that new evidence of danger to children's health requires a ban on the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos in home and garden products and severe restrictions on its use in farming [3]. Friends of the Earth wants the UK Government to take immediate action to protect consumers by withdrawing all approvals of this pesticide pending a wide ranging review of the chemical's safety.

Chlorpyrifos, is an organophosphate pesticide which works on the nervous system. New research by the US Environmental Protection Agency has shown that it can cause brain damage in rats [4]. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Carol Browner said that"It is clear that the time has come to take action to protect our children from exposure to this chemical," [5].

Commenting, FOE Real Food Campaigner Sandra Bell said:
“This filthy pesticide should be taken off the shelves at once. If it's too toxic for the US, it's too toxic for us. Next week is Food Safety Week - the Government will be telling people how to prepare their food safely. But the Government has to set an example - and make sure that food is grown safely in the first place.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:
[1] MAFF, annual reports of the Working Party on Pesticide Residues, 1995, 1997 and 1998

[2] Pesticides Safety Directorate/Health & Safety Executive, Pesticides 2000 - guide to approved pesticides

[3] US Environmental Protection Agency, News Release, 8 June 2000

[4] Washington Post 2 June 2000

[5] US Environmental Protection Agency, News Release, 8 June 2000

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust