Pesticide control revealed violations in 3 out of 4 companies
Økologisk NuIt is not only conventional agriculture that has difficulty managing pesticides in a way that prevents residues of chemical toxins from ending up in drinking water, our food, or other unwanted places. This is revealed by an analysis from the Environmental Protection Agency's Chemical Inspection, which conducted inspections at 88 companies in the industry in 2025. In 75% of the visits, violations were found related to lack of registration, irresponsible storage of pesticides, and the discovery of illegal pesticides, according to a press release from the Ministry of Environment. Ten companies have been reported to the police. The Chemical Inspection has deemed it necessary to report ten companies to the police, some of which were found to have more than one violation. Six companies were found to have unapproved pesticides or biocides. Three companies marketed foreign pesticides not approved in Denmark, and two companies physically possessed foreign pesticides not approved in Denmark. Examples of illegal storage of pesticides were also found, such as two companies failing to store toxic or very toxic pesticides under lock, as required. Additionally, one company was observed storing pesticides near foodstuffs and animal feed. The Minister warns of a tougher approach. Environment Minister Maria Reumert Gjerding (SF) is disappointed with the inspection results: "It is deeply problematic that so many companies working with pesticides are breaking the rules. Some violations involve directly illegal pesticides that are dangerous to the environment and people. But even approved pesticides are harmful to humans, the environment, and drinking water when handled improperly," says Maria Reumert Gjerding. She views the inspection results as yet another example that there are far too many violations in the pesticide sector. "Therefore, we need to take much more decisive action when I negotiate a new pesticide strategy with the Parliament's parties this fall," says the environment minister.
It is not only conventional agriculture that has difficulty managing pesticides in a way that residues of the chemical toxins do not end up in drinking water, in our food, or elsewhere where they are unwanted.
This is evident from an analysis by the Environmental Protection Agency's Chemical Inspection, which in 2025 conducted control visits to 88 companies in the industry. In 75% of the visits, violations were found related to lack of registration, irresponsible storage of pesticides, and discoveries of illegal pesticides, writes the Ministry of Environment in a press release.
Ten companies reported to the police
The Chemical Inspection has deemed it necessary to report ten companies to the police, some of which were found to have more than one violation.
Six companies were found to have unapproved pesticides or biocides. Three companies marketed foreign pesticides that are not approved in Denmark, and two companies were physically in possession of foreign pesticides that are not approved in Denmark.
Examples of illegal storage of pesticides were also found, e.g., two companies failed to store toxic or very toxic pesticides under lock, as required. Additionally, one company was observed to store pesticides near foodstuffs and animal feed.
Minister announces tougher course
Environmental Minister Maria Reumert Gjerding (SF) is disappointed with the control results:
”It is deeply problematic that so many companies working with pesticides are breaking the rules. Some violations involve directly illegal pesticides that are dangerous to the environment and humans. But even approved pesticides are harmful to humans, the environment, and drinking water when handled improperly,” says Maria Reumert Gjerding.
She considers the control results as yet another example that there are far too many violations in the pesticide sector.
”Therefore, we must take much more decisive action when I negotiate a new pesticide strategy with the Parliament's parties this fall,” says the environment minister.