16 January 2012. The European Food Safety Authority has released the results of risk assessments for three neonicotinoids used as active substances in pesticides.

The reports identify several risks to bees for different exposure pathways, while assessments for some pathways and uses could not be concluded due to insufficient data.

The assessments respond to a charge by the European Commission to assess risk associated with the use of clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in seed treatment or as granules, with particular focus on the effects on bee colony survival and development, bee larvae and bee behavior; and risks posed by sub-lethal doses.

The three reports contain tables listing conclusions with regard to authorized uses of the substances for seed treatment of different crops and as granules. They indicate for different routes of exposure: whether a risk has been identified; a low risk has been identified; or the assessment could not be concluded due to insufficient data.

The reports note that for those uses for which risk assessments could be finalized, the following general conclusions could be drawn: with regard to exposure from pollen and nectar, only uses on crops not attractive to bees can be accepted; with regard to exposure from dust, a risk was indicated or could not be excluded except for sugar beet, crops planted in glasshouses and for the use of some granules; and for exposure from guttation, only the risk assessment for maize could be finalized and it indicated acute effects on honey bees.

The press release notes that the evaluations are affected by a high level of uncertainty due to the consideration of recent recommendations on the science for risk assessment of plant protection products, which have not yet been consolidated in a comprehensive guidance document.

[EFSA Press Release][Publication: Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment for bees for the active substance clothianidin][Publication: Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment for bees for the active substance imidacloprid][Publication: Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment for bees for the active substance thiamethoxam][Publication: Scientific Opinion on the science behind the development of a risk assessment of Plant Protection Products on bees (Apis mellifera, Bombus spp. and solitary bees)]