The Ministry of Agriculture announced that it is changing regulations regarding the use of pesticides on fruits and vegetables. A list is being published containing many pesticides that were used in the industry, but are now being banned – replaced by alternatives that do not pose the same health hazards to man and the environment.

In the first phase of the program, pesticides containing organic phosphates are outlawed along with those containing triazin and chlorinated hydrocarbons. In the second stage of the program, to be completed in March 2014, all pesticides categorized as ‘harmful’ will be banned.

Minister of Agriculture (Yisrael Beitenu) Yair Shamir released a statement highlighting the ministry’s dedication to the health of the public at large. He explains the ministry has been heading in this direction for a number of years and when this plan is implemented, the public will be eating healthier fruits and vegetables.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)