EU Bans Caffeine in Pesticides Citing Health and Environmental Risks

The European Commission's decision follows scientific findings on caffeine's harmful effects and concerns over water contamination.

The European Commission has banned the use of caffeine as a pesticide, stating it poses significant health risks to humans if ingested.
Scientific evidence from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) highlighted caffeine's adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, hydration, and mental health, as well as risks to pregnant women and unborn children.
The EFSA also raised concerns about caffeine's potential to exceed safe concentration limits in drinking water and cause surface water contamination.
The decision was prompted by an application from a French company seeking to use caffeine to protect cabbage and potato crops from insects.
Critics fear the ruling could lead to broader restrictions on caffeine and coffee, sparking debates about regulatory overreach and its impact on European culture.