Issue_1_2018

industry news
13
Global avocado market growth
Neonicotinoids: risks to bees confirmed
Most uses of neonicotinoid pesticides represent a risk to wild
bees and honeybees, according to assessments published by
EFSA. The Authority has updated its risk assessments of
three neonicotinoids – clothianidin, imidacloprid and
thiamethoxam – that are currently subject to restrictions in
the EU because of the threat they pose to bees.
These new conclusions update those published in 2013, after
which the European Commission imposed controls on use of
the substances.
For the new assessments, which this time cover wild bees –
bumblebees and solitary bees – as well as honeybees, EFSA’s
Pesticides Unit carried out an extensive data collection
exercise, including a systematic literature review, to gather
all the scientific evidence published since the previous
evaluations.
The growth of the avocado market is pushed by
aspects such as increasing inclination of consumers
towards a healthy lifestyle and increasing awareness
among consumers.
Rising consumer inclination towards maintaining
healthy lifestyle has pushed the consumption of
healthy food ingredients and food products.
Consumers are more conscious and finicky about
their regular diet and food intake. There has been an
increase in the consumption of tree nuts, which
typically include vegetables, organic fruits, nuts as
well as avocados.
According to this research, this has been observed
over the past few years. This is on account of the
shift towards healthy eating habits as well as
preferences among the fast expanding middle class
in the especially in the emerging economies.
Obesity across the globe has nearly tripled since
1975. In 2016, more than 1.9bn individuals above 18
years of age along with the older population were
overweight, of which almost 650mn of the population
was suffering from obesity.
According to World Health Organization, obesity and
overweight is the main cause of death across the
globe versus underweight issues. This has triggered
an increase in the consumption of vegetables and
various types of fruits, especially berries, avocados
and grapes, as these help in the reduction of
cholesterol content in the body as well as assist in
lowering the triglyceride levels, consequently helping
in reduction of weight. The increasing health
awareness has thus pushed the demand for
avocados. ■
The team also applied the guidance document developed by
EFSA specifically for the risk assessment of pesticides and
bees.
Jose Tarazona, Head of EFSA’s Pesticides Unit, said: “The
availability of such a substantial amount of data as well as
the guidance has enabled us to produce very detailed
conclusions.
“There is
variability in
the
conclusions,
due to
factors such
as the bee
species, the
intended
use of the
pesticide
and the
route of
exposure.
Some low
risks have
been
identified,
but overall the risk to the three
types of bees we have assessed is confirmed.”
EFSA finalised its conclusions following two separate
consultations with pesticide experts in the EU Member
States. The experts have supported the conclusions.
As with the previous assessments, exposure of bees to the
substances was assessed via three routes: residues in bee
pollen and nectar; dust drift during the sowing/application of
the treated seeds; and water consumption. ■
www.foodmagazine.eu.com issue one | 2018