Scientists are calling for more transparency in pesticide formulations, arguing that farmers and consumers have the right to know the complete list of ingredients in these chemicals.

In a recent article, authored by Dr. Edward Straw from Trinity College Dublin, it is argued that secret ingredients in pesticides may pose risks to human health, pollinators, and the broader environment. Dr. Straw, a Research Fellow in the Botany Department at Trinity’s School of Natural Sciences, explains that without full disclosure of ingredients, it becomes difficult for researchers to assess the potential negative impacts of pesticides.

Pesticides consist of active ingredients, which are responsible for the pest-control effect, and co-formulants, which help these active ingredients function effectively. While producers are required to disclose the main ingredients and certain co-formulants that meet specific EU criteria, many co-formulants remain undisclosed and are protected as trade secrets under EU law. This lack of transparency leaves both users and scientists in the dark about what is being applied to crops.

Dr. Straw emphasises the importance of this issue, noting, "Independent research often alerts the EU to the dangers of certain pesticides, but if we don't know all the ingredients, we can't evaluate them properly. Keeping these ingredients secret puts farmers, consumers, and the environment at risk."

Recent studies have shown that some co-formulants can harm wildlife, such as bees, and even pose health risks to humans. Full ingredient transparency would allow scientists to better test these chemicals, identify harmful co-formulants, and improve pesticide safety for both the environment and those who use them.

Dr. Straw also draws attention to the contrast with the pharmaceutical industry, where full ingredient disclosure is standard practice. Medicine packaging, for example, lists all ingredients, ensuring transparency and safety for consumers. The same level of transparency should be applied to pesticides, he argues.

This project, which advocates for full ingredient disclosure in pesticides, has received funding from the Irish Research Council. The article was published in the journal Environmental Science and Policy and is available as an Open Access resource.