4 weeks Ago
Pesticide Drift Issues
One of the substances that caused many of these violations is Exirel, a pesticide used to combat Suzuki fruit flies. Although it is allowed for use under special clearance, growers must strictly adhere to regulations that protect bees, aquatic animals, and other wildlife. Four out of the nine growers who violated the rules had made mistakes while using Exirel.
Impact of Drift and Regulations
Drift occurs when pesticides blow off-target, potentially contaminating nearby fields or water sources. This can harm other crops or the environment. As a result, there are strict regulations to limit how much of the pesticide can enter the groundwater and prevent its use on flowering crops to protect bees. The government has also warned that if the conditions for using substances like Exirel are not followed, their future availability for use in the agricultural sector may be in jeopardy.
Inspection Results and Industry Reaction
The Netherlands has 139 fruit-growing companies, and the inspection results have been shared with the sector. The risks of non-compliance have been discussed in order to prevent future violations. The sector organization for Dutch fruit growers has expressed concern over the insecurity surrounding the future of certain pesticides if misuse continues.
Blueberries in the News Again
This is not the first time blueberries have made headlines for the wrong reasons. Earlier this year, an outbreak of hepatitis A occurred in the Netherlands after consuming blueberries from the frozen food section of a supermarket. This batch had been imported from Poland and caused illness among several people.
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