In an article published on November 9, 2016 the non-profit organization International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec) comments on the European Commission’s (EC) revised criteria to identify endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the field of plant protection products and biocides. The EC published a proposal of EDC criteria in June 2016 (FPF reported) and the revised draft is expected to be released and voted on during the next meeting of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (PAFF Committee; Section Phytopharmaceuticals – Plant Protection Products – Legislation) on November 18, 2016 (FPF reported). ChemSec reports that it has read a copy of the revised draft and states that “there are some necessary clarifications in there, but overall the main concerns from the earlier proposal remain.” ChemSec is part of the NGO coalition EDC-Free Europe and they have identified the following main concerns: 1) the change in the pesticide derogation from exposure to risk, allowing for widespread use of endocrine disrupting pesticides, 2) the unreasonably high burden of proof, 3) the discrimination against independent academic studies, and 4) the lack of categories to rank EDCs (i.e. potential EDC, suspected EDC, endocrine active substance), similar to the regulation of other chemicals (e.g. carcinogens). Further, ChemSec notes that “the earlier criticized wording ‘is known to cause’ has been changed to ‘it shows.’” ChemSec hopes that the word ‘shows’ is more workable.

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ChemSec (November 9, 2016). “Revised EDC criteria still fail to protect health and environment.

CIEL (November 8, 2016). “NGOs say EU Commission’s revised proposal on EDC criteria still fails to protect public health and the environment.

HEAL (November 8, 2016). “NGOs verdict to Commission’s revised proposal on EDC criteria: not right again!

Vanessa Zainzinger (November 10, 2016). “Revised EDC criteria proposal sent to EU member states.Chemical Watch

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