The FAO Code of Conduct about

From experience in recent decades, we know that we cannot be fully aware of the unwanted effects of pesticides if their distribution, use and fate (e. g. regarding residues in food and water as well as body burden) are not transparent. We also know that those profiting from the use of a technology are not necessarily the best organisations to take steps to prevent harm to men and environment caused by that technology. Taking this into account, the Code not only calls for transparency but also for public participation in the regulatory process.
Support

Transparency and participation in the FAO Code of Conduct

4.1

Pesticide industry should:

4.1.4

ensure that the proposed use pattern, label claims and directions, packages, technical literature and advertising truly reflect the outcome of these scientific tests and assessments;

4.1.5

provide, at the request of a country, methods for the analysis of any active ingredient or formulation that they manufacture, and provide the necessary analytical standards;

4.2

Each country should possess or have access to facilities to verify and exercise control over the quality of pesticides offered for sale or export, to establish the quantity of the active ingredient or ingredients and the suitability of their formulation, according to FAO or WHO specifications, when available.

6.2

Pesticide industry should:

6.2.7

provide their national governments with clear and concise data on export, import, manufacture, formulation, sales, quality and quantity of pesticides.

9.1

Governments should:

9.1.1

promote the establishment or strengthening of networks for information exchange on pesticides through national institutions, international, regional and sub regional organizations and public sector groups;

9.2

In addition, governments are encouraged to develop:

9.2.1

legislation and regulations that permit the provision of information to the public about pesticide risks and the regulatory process;

9.2.2

administrative procedures to provide transparency and facilitate the participation of the public in the regulatory process.

9.4

All parties should:

9.4.1

support the process of information exchange and facilitate access to information regarding pesticide residues in food and related regulatory actions;

9.4.2

encourage collaboration between public sector groups, international organizations, governments and other interested stakeholders to ensure that countries are provided with the information they need to meet the objectives of the Code.