Kenya: EU forces pesticide chemical banning

Date:02-02-2012

A chemical ingredient used in 25 different pesticides in Kenya has had to be banned due to pressures from the EU.

Last year Europe rejected produce from Kenya worth Sh 20 billion due to the presence of pesticide chemical dimethoate in quantities exceeding the permitted 0.02 parts per million.

Dimthoate is believed to be carcinogenic and the EU plans to step up controls, including inspection of Kenyan imports and sanctions against the produce. There are alternatives available, but these are more expensive.