Food Standards Agency

Saturday 4 July 2009

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QA

Why are pesticides used?

Pesticides are mainly used in agriculture to keep crops healthy and prevent them being wasted by disease and infestation. They are particularly used in food production because pests can have devastating effects on the quantity and quality of crops.

Pesticides are also used to protect public health by controlling various pests and disease carriers, such as insects, rats and mice.

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