NGOs say will challenge new EU rules on pesticides

Environmental groups are heading for the European Courts to contest new legal maximum limits for pesticide residues in food products sold within the EU.

According to NGOs, hundreds of the permitted levels in fruit and vegetables are too high. The rules to harmonize national rules on crop cultivation are meant to reassure the public over the impact of pesticides on health.

For instance, France accepted a fifth of a milligram per kilo of residue in apples, while the new EU rules allow a whole milligram per kilo.

The critics say the research into cumulative effects of the products used on plants is inadequate.

Copyright © 2012 euronews