On 6th November 2025, SwedWatch published a report highlighting how pesticides banned in the EU continue to be exported to countries outside the Union, where their use harms farm workers and ecosystems. Focusing on Kenya as a case study, the report exposes a global pattern of toxic double standards — and calls on European policymakers, as well as food and pesticide companies, to take responsibility. The report states that each year, hundreds of thousands of tonnes of pesticides leave the EU for markets abroad. Many of these substances are prohibited for use within the EU due to their proven risks to people and nature. Yet, EU law still permits their manufacture and export – a striking example of Europe’s double standards in environmental and human rights protection.

Workers interviewed describe how the pesticides cause severe eye and skin irritation and breathing problems. Some recount cases of workers collapsing in the fields and, in some instances, dying. Health professionals report increasing cancer rates in agricultural regions, while farmers note the environmental impacts like the disappearance of bees and contamination of water sources.

Business and Human Rights Centre invited some of the companies exporting pesticides to Kenya for a comment on the report findings.

Bayer AG stated that the company does not sell any crop protection products classified by the WHO as acutely toxic (classification 1a or 1b). Bayer AG also stated that since 2016, the company has committed to selling only crop protection products whose active ingredients are registered in at least one OECD country or a country with a mature risk-based regulatory framework.

DuPont de Nemours responding on behalf of DowDuPont and Corteva Agriscience stated that they cannot comment on these matters outlined in the report because they do not have these materials and products in their business portfolio