In the early 1980s, 15 percent of beans and 13 percent of peppers imported from
Mexico exceeded FDA limitations for pesticide residues. Recent FDA tests on
imported foods reveal that contamination by illegal pesticides account for only 5 per-
cent of imports; however, contamination rates are higher for imported carrots, pine-
apples, rice, peas, and pears. Moreover, the FDA only tests 1 or 2 percent of imports
while the rest wind up in U.S. grocery stores.^14
In June 1990, the U.S. Senate Agricultural Committee voted to ban the export
of unsafe pesticides. The panel adopted this legislation as part of the 1990 farm bill
and hoped that the House of Representatives would address the issue. Strong objec-
tion to the bill came from the National Agricultural Chemicals Association, a trade
group consisting of pesticide manufacturers, whose 1989 export sales totaled $2.2
billion. The bill was never enacted and, although the issue continues to be debated,
it has been largely ignored.^15
Critics argue that most pesticide exports are merely unregistered in the United
States rather than banned. Many pesticides formulated in the United States are never
tested for approval because they are of no use to U.S. agricultural needs. Instead they
are exported directly to countries with suitable soils or who grow produce that can
utilize the chemicals. Critics also argue that, with a ban, countries will seek out other
nations who are willing to supply the banned pesticides.^16
It should be stressed that the exportation of banned pesticides to the Third World
is not an isolated issue confined to the United States, for it has been documented that
many European countries also export banned pesticides.
Banned Pesticides—A Complex Picture
Most countries now operate a pesticide registration program, or a ‘‘positive’’ list of
pesticides allowed to be used, though implementation frequently presents problems.
A general perception prevails that many pesticides are banned in Europe, North
America, or other industrialized countries, and then exported to developing countries.
In fact, a relatively small number of pesticides are completely banned. An analysis of
the regulatory actions taken in Costa Rica, Tanzania, and Vietnam and the European
Union against the thirty-nine pesticides identified as most targeted indicates a more
complicated situation. For example:
¥Aldicarb is banned in Tanzania and not registered in Vietnam, but is still regis-
tered in ten EU countries and in Costa Rica.¥Monocrotophos, parathion, and parathion methyl are registered in many Euro-
pean countries, but all are banned, severely restricted, or not registered in Tan-
zania, Vietnam, and Costa Rica.¥Chlorobenzilate, chlorpropham, fluoroacetamide, and 2,4,5-T are still registered
in some EU countries, but are banned or not registered in Tanzania, Vietnam,
and Costa Rica.International Trade in Pesticides | 225