TÜBA Pesticides Declaration: “Food Safety is Directly Linked to Public Health”
The final declaration of the “Symposium on the Effects of Pesticides on Food Safety and Public Health,” organized by TÜBA and hosted by Mersin University on April 3–4, 2026, has been released. While the declaration acknowledges the indispensable role of pesticide use in agricultural production, it emphasizes that uninformed and intensive use poses serious risks to human health, the environment, and the economy.
The final declaration states, “Food safety is directly linked to public health.” It was noted that Türkiye could become a model country at the regional and global levels in this field if it develops science-based policies, increases R&D investments, and strengthens multidisciplinary collaborations. The symposium was organized with the aim of contributing to raising scientific awareness and establishing a safer food production system.
Pesticides are essential for productivity, but their misuse poses significant risks
Scientific data reveals that pesticides are a crucial tool for meeting the food needs of a growing population and preventing yield losses. However, it was noted that in current practices, only a limited portion of the pesticides used reaches the target organism, while the remainder is released into the environment, creating both inefficiency and a serious risk.
According to the report, pesticide residues are commonly detected in food, and in some products, legal limits may be exceeded. This situation not only threatens public health but also leads to negative consequences in international trade. It is noted that, despite the low rate of complaints related to residues in Türkiye’s exports to the European Union, this still leads to economic losses and damage to the country’s reputation.
It was noted that the effects of pesticide exposure are not limited to short-term poisoning; they are associated with long-term endocrine disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, reproductive issues, and an increased risk of cancer. It was emphasized that these effects are particularly pronounced in vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Pressure on the Environment and Biodiversity
The report extensively addressed how the persistence of pesticides in the environment, their movement between soil, water, and air, and their accumulation in the food chain create serious negative impacts on ecosystem balance and biological diversity. It was emphasized that this situation poses a long-term threat to ecosystem services.
It was stated that while Türkiye has a robust legal framework regarding pesticides, there is a need for more effective implementation of monitoring, surveillance, and traceability systems. It was noted that the B-Prescription system developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is expected to make significant contributions in this area.
The declaration highlighted that the pesticide issue is not merely a technical matter; it is directly linked to public perception, risk communication, and behavioral change. In this context, it was emphasized that enhancing health literacy and ensuring the public is properly informed are of vital importance.
Solution: An Integrated and Science-Based Approach
While it was noted that completely eliminating pesticide use is not feasible under current conditions, it was stated that risks can be reduced through science-based and sustainable approaches. In this context, the following were listed as priority requirements: holistic risk management from field to table, proper dosage and timing, compliance with harvest interval rules, and strengthening traceability systems.
The promotion of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, support for biological and cultural control methods, and the reduction of chemical use were identified as key strategic objectives. Additionally, attention was drawn to the potential of new-generation technologies—such as biopesticides, artificial intelligence, sensors, and drones—to both increase productivity and reduce residue risks.
Furthermore, the development of multi-residue analyses, the establishment of national biomonitoring programs, and the integrated consideration of human, animal, and environmental health under the “One Health” approach were among the key recommendations.