What are UK Supermarkets Doing about Pesticide Problems?

A large portion of what we buy and consume in the UK comes through the nine main supermarkets. Supermarkets wield a huge amount of influence over growers, produce traders, consumers and on pesticide issues. PAN UK’s 2009 comparison of UK supermarkets’ performance on pesticide issues invoked considerable interest by consumers, retailers and ethical investment trackers.

PAN UK has updated its 2009 study, comparing the supermarkets’ current performance on pesticide issues, plotting progress and regress from their individual positions in 2009, and widening the scope of what are the most critical pesticide issues that we want to see the supermarkets addressing.

From our findings, the Co-operative and Marks and Spencer are undoubtedly leading the way in supermarkets’ efforts on pesticide issues of importance to PAN UK. At the other end of the table, Aldi and Lidl are holding strong to their bottom position taking no visible action on any of the critical pesticide issues. We are sad to see Sainsbury having taken a few steps back in their work on pesticides since 2009. Whilst Tesco, Morrison and Waitrose have shown some improvement, we want to see them doing a lot more and sharing their plans and progress in the public domain. Asda is working on residue reduction programmes, but undoubtedly needs to try a lot harder to address the most critical pesticide problems.

People are aware and concerned about the declining numbers of bees in the world. The role of bee toxic pesticides in this crisis is not in doubt. PAN UK wants to see supermarkets taking concrete measures to reduce exposure to bee toxic pesticides. We call on supermarkets to identify the most hazardous pesticides in their supply chains and commit to a time frame for eliminating them. We want to see supermarkets being more accountable to their customers by bringing their pesticide policies and progress into the public domain.

PAN UK is keen to see consumers play their part in influencing supermarkets through direct communication and through their shopping choices. For example, if consumers accepted minor skin blemishes in fresh produce, which do not affect quality, supermarkets would not have any excuse for using pesticides for cosmetic purposes.

“PAN UK is pleased to see that some progress is being made by some of the retailers but correspondingly disappointed to see that others appear to be making no effort at all. Of course the buying public can make a difference and we urge them to contact their retailers and demand that they take concrete steps to reduce the use of pesticides across their supply chains.” Said Nick Mole, PAN UK Policy Officer.