The treatment of cherry trees is at the heart of European discussions. The French Minister of Agriculture Stéphane Le Foll seized the European Commission on the issue of Dimethoate, a insecticide usually used on crops of cherriesto fight the devastating fly Drosphila suzukii. Indeed, while this product has been banned in France since February 2016, it remains authorized in certain countries of the European Union (EU). In a press release published on March 29, 2016, the The Minister of Agriculture said to himself “aware of the issue of consumer protection“and therefore calls on the EU to activate the emergency measures provided for by European law, namely”the immediate ban on the use of Dimethoate (DIMATE BF400) throughout the EU on fruits and vegetables“as well as”immediate ban on the entire European territory of placing on the market of cherries from countries or Member States in which the use of Dimethoate is permitted“. The European Commission is now obliged to take a decision within seven days, otherwise France will ban the marketing on its territory of cherries treated with this insecticide.
An “acute” health risk
In 2014, the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Handles) and the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa) publish their opinions on the health risks associated with Dimethoate. Based on studies carried out on this substance, ANSES and Efsa conclude that the residues of Dimethoate present a “acute risk to consumer health“.
But if Dimethoate is banned from crops, another solution must be found to fight against Drosophila suzukii. Because this invasive fly from Japan, introduced in France in 2008, makes cherries unfit for consumption by laying its eggs inside the fruit. Other less harmful insecticides or natural methods such as protective nets or fly traps are being tested, but appear to be more restrictive and less effective than Dimethoate.
>> To read also:
Eating cherries would limit gout attacks
Zika virus and microcephaly: an insecticide causes trouble
Insomnia: Cherry Juice Better Than Sleeping Pills
Neonicotinoids harm bee health
