Tripoli: The Public Prosecutor's Office has revealed alarming findings regarding pesticide use in agriculture, with samples from farms and retail outlets indicating that 65 percent contained residues of seven banned pesticides. According to Libyan News Agency, the Public Prosecutor's Office received information pointing to violations of environmental regulations and food security standards. These violations stem from the widespread use of banned pesticides in agricultural practices, prompting the office to conduct inspection campaigns across Tripoli, Benghazi, and Misrata. During February 2026, technical teams collected samples from agricultural produce offered directly to consumers. The samples underwent rigorous analysis to measure the residues and concentrations of banned pesticides. The analysis confirmed that a significant portion of the samples contained residues of seven pesticides banned under national legislation. Additionally, some samples were found to be contaminated with substances classified a s carcinogenic or mutagenic in accordance with international agreements and recommendations. Further investigations by technical teams revealed that the residues in some samples exceeded the limits permitted by established recommendations. In response, the Public Prosecutor has decided to take comprehensive measures to gather necessary evidence regarding the use of these pesticides. Efforts are underway to identify those responsible for their introduction into the market, and inspections of distribution channels and storage facilities are being conducted to seize prohibited substances. Furthermore, the Public Prosecution has initiated criminal cases against individuals trading in and possessing these pesticides, as well as against users of non-banned pesticides who have exceeded permissible limits. These actions are part of a broader strategy to address the criminal situation and enhance food security measures, aiming to protect the population from potential health and environmental harm.
Menu
Menu