EU Lawmakers Challenge Pydiflumetofen Approval Over Pesticide Persistence and Safety Data Gaps

The European Parliament’s Environment Committee (ENVI) has scrutinised the proposed EU approval of pydiflumetofen, a fungicide active substance intended for use in plant protection products, amid concerns over environmental persistence, groundwater protection and unresolved safety data gaps. The debate focused on a draft Commission implementing act to approve pydiflumetofen as a candidate for substitution. MEPs opposing the approval argued that pydiflumetofen has an unfavourable toxicological and environmental profile. During the exchange, lawmakers described the substance as carcinogenic category 2, toxic for reproduction category 2, very toxic to aquatic life and highly persistent in soil, with a reported half-life of more than 850 days.

Pydiflumetofen persistence raises PFAS comparisons

A co-objector MEP warned that approving a new persistent active substance could repeat mistakes associated with long-lived contaminants such as PFAS. The comparison centred on persistence rather than chemical identity, as pydiflumetofen was not identified as a PFAS in the debate. Critics also questioned whether the precautionary principle should apply, particularly because pydiflumetofen belongs to the SDHI fungicide group, which inhibits succinate dehydrogenase, an enzyme present in humans as well as fungi.

EFSA data gaps and groundwater concerns

Several MEPs pointed to EFSA-identified data gaps, including concerns around metabolites, genotoxicity, longer-term toxicity and possible effects on drinking water treatment processes. They argued that these uncertainties should be resolved before EU approval is granted. One MEP warned that any future contamination costs could fall on water utilities and society rather than pesticide producers.

Commission says safeguards remain under discussion

The European Commission acknowledged that pydiflumetofen has “unfavourable properties” but said EFSA had not identified any critical areas of concern requiring automatic non-approval under Regulation 1107/2009. Commission representative Almut Bitterhoff said the draft measure was still under discussion with Member States and that “all possible outcomes are still possible”. She added that approval as a candidate for substitution would mean stricter conditions, a shorter approval period of seven years, and mandatory comparative assessment before Member States could authorise products. Supporters of approval argued that pydiflumetofen may help farmers manage fungal diseases in crops such as grapes, apples, pears and vegetables, especially where alternatives are limited. Summary: The pydiflumetofen debate highlights the EU’s wider struggle to balance pesticide risk management, agricultural resilience and chemical safety. While the Commission says no critical EFSA concern blocks approval, MEPs warn that persistence, groundwater uncertainty and unresolved data gaps could create long-term risks for regulators, farmers, water utilities and consumers.

FAQs

What is pydiflumetofen used for?

Pydiflumetofen is a fungicide active substance intended for plant protection products. In the ENVI debate, lawmakers said it may be used to protect crops such as grapes, apples, pears and vegetables from fungal diseases, while also supporting resistance management where alternative fungicides are limited.

Why is pydiflumetofen controversial?

Pydiflumetofen is controversial because MEPs raised concerns about persistence in soil, aquatic toxicity, reproductive toxicity, carcinogenic classification and EFSA data gaps. Critics argue that uncertainty over groundwater, metabolites and drinking water treatment should be addressed before approval, while the Commission says no critical concern has been identified.