The EU Ombudsman has asked the European Commission to stop approving the use of potentially hazardous pesticides before full safety data has been provided by producers.

The pharmaceutical industry could see new legislation to improve the transparency of its supply chain as part of the European Commission’s bid to reduce its impact on the environment.

The European Commission should build on its pledge to stop the export of pesticides banned for use in the EU by clamping down on imported food produced with those same pesticides, green groups have said.

Food safety commissioner Stella Kyriakides has broadly defended the European Commission’s approach to approving pesticides in response to an inquiry by the European Ombudsman, saying officials are working to further improve ‘clarity and transparency’.

The European Parliament’s environment committee has approved a ban on using lead shot on and near wetlands after MEPs rejected two objections tabled by liberal and right-wing groups.