Summary
This narrative review synthesises evidence on dietary exposure to pesticide and veterinary drug residues from agricultural and veterinary sources, with particular focus on their reproductive and developmental toxicity. The authors conclude that organophosphates, glyphosate, and antibiotics represent the most significant contaminants affecting human fertility and embryo development, and that epigenetic mechanisms may mediate intergenerational health effects. The review underscores the need for improved pesticide and veterinary drug management strategies and further research into long-term transgenerational impacts.
UK applicability
UK consumers are exposed to pesticide and veterinary drug residues through imported and domestic food, though regulatory frameworks (FSA, PSD) set maximum residue levels. This review's findings on reproductive and developmental effects may inform UK food safety policy and encourage stricter monitoring of tetracycline and glyphosate residues in particular.
Key measures
Distribution of pesticide and veterinary drug residues in food and water; effects on human fertility, embryo development, and epigenetic alterations; intergenerational and transgenerational disease risk
Outcomes reported
The review examined worldwide distribution and harmful effects of crop pesticides and veterinary drug residues on human reproduction, embryo development, and epigenetic alterations. It identified organophosphates, glyphosate, and antibiotics (particularly tetracyclines) as the most commonly implicated contaminants.
Topic tags
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