pesticides

New research has identified 485 chemicals used in US pesticide products that are linked to breast cancer. The findings, reported by The Guardian, raise concerns about widespread exposure to potentially carcinogenic compounds through agricultural and consumer pesticide use. The study is likely to fuel calls for tighter regulation of pesticide ingredients and greater scrutiny by US health and environmental agencies.

A whistleblower alleges that millions of packages of Driscoll's berries were sent to Canada containing chemical levels above permitted limits. The claim, reported by CBC, raises questions about pesticide testing and food safety oversight for imported produce, and whether affected products were recalled or flagged by regulators in Canada or the United States.

Lobbyists are pressuring the European Union to weaken or dismantle existing regulations so companies can operate with fewer restrictions. Critics say targets include the CO2 emissions trading system, the supply chain law, consumer protection, data privacy rules, and pesticide restrictions, warning that pesticides could return to fields and food. Commentators argue this serves corporate profit at the expense of public health and environmental safeguards.