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What are pesticides?
Pesticide is a general term used to denote plant protection and pest control agents. These agents are used in crop growing, the food industry and when storing foods or raw materials originating from plants. Pesticides enter the human body via the food chain and water cycle.
To protect consumers, legislators have specified maximum permissible levels for plant protection, pest control and food preservation agents in the Ordinance on Maximum Residue Limits (RHmV) within the scope of the Foodstuffs and Essential Commodities Act (LMBG). Special regulations (Dietary Ordinance or Drinking Water Ordinance) exist for special areas such as baby food or drinking water. In addition to the national regulations, maximum permissible levels are gradually being harmonized for all EU member states. This is achieved through directives which are directly applicable in the member states or by guidelines which are to be incorporated in national legislation within a specified period.
Pesticides can be divided into the following main groups:
