Introduction

Classes and uses of pesticides

Legal framework

Approval Levels

Scientific information in the regulatory process.

Risk Management Process

Constitution and function of the various organisations

Management of pesticides in the future.

Checking for possible adverse effects of pesticide usage....

Once a pesticide has been approved, it is important to check that its use does not give rise to problems that were not foreseen when the approval was granted. To this end, several systems are in place to monitor pesticide usage in the UK and the occurrence of possible adverse effects.

Notification by approval holders

Companies holding approval for pesticides are required by law to notify the registration authorities if at any stage they become aware of new data or information that raise concerns about the safety of their product. When a notification is received, it is evaluated, and the need for regulatory action or the generation of further data to clarify the problem is determined.

Pesticides Usage Survey (PUS)

Information on the pattern of use of pesticides in agriculture is collected by the Pesticides Usage Survey Group of DEFRA’s Central Science Laboratory (CSL), which publishes regular reports on pesticide usage in the main areas of agriculture in Great Britain. The topics covered include arable crops, horticulture, grassland and fodder crops, orchards, and aerial spraying. The reports are available through DEFRA Publications and are on the CSL website www.csl.gov.uk.

Food Residues

Pesticides in Water

Epidemiological literature

Epidemiological studies of pesticides are regularly published in the scientific literature, and to ensure that this information is given proper consideration, a system for reviewing the published literature has been established. If a problem is identified that could have implications for the regulation of pesticides, this is brought to the attention of the ACP and when appropriate, action is taken.

Wildlife incidents

The Wildlife Incidents Investigation Scheme (WIIS) was introduced in the early 1960’s in response to concerns over bird poisoning incidents involving the agricultural use of organochlorine insecticides. WIIS currently provides important feedback on the approved use of pesticides by monitoring the impact of pesticides on wildlife and companion animals. Under the WIIS, reported cases of possible poisoning are thoroughly investigated. They are then classified according to the circumstances of use in which the incident occurred

Should an incident raise concerns about the conditions of use or formulation of a product, particularly in approved use cases, specialist advice is sought and regulatory action taken if necessary. Where appropriate, enforcement action including prosecution may be taken in abuse and misuse cases.