Cancer served on a plate? How chemicals banned in Europe are killing Indians

In recent years, growing concern has emerged regarding the presence of certain carcinogenic chemicals in Indian agriculture, many of which have long since been banned in Europe and other parts of the world. These substances—such as 2,4-D, paraquat, glyphosate, and dimethoate—are widely used in Indian farming practices despite their classification as potential or probable carcinogens by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Their continued usage raises serious questions about regulatory oversight and public health implications.

The issue came into sharper focus following an analysis of data from the European Commission and the European Food Safety Authority, which revealed that between May 2024 and May 2026, 365 Indian products were either flagged or rejected by the EU due to pesticide contamination and heavy metal content. This rejection rate highlights the extent to which Indian agricultural exports face scrutiny in one of its most significant trade partners. However, the broader concern lies not just in international trade disputes but in the domestic consumption of food contaminated with these harmful substances.

Among the most alarming of these chemicals is paraquat, a potent herbicide that has been banned in over 70 countries, including all members of the European Union. Despite this global ban, paraquat remains legally available in India. First synthesized in 1882 by Austrian chemist Hugo Weidel, its commercial application began in the mid-20th century when British company ICI introduced it under the brand name Gramoxone. Later acquired by Swiss firm Syngenta and eventually by Chinese conglomerate ChemChina, paraquat has remained in use in India despite mounting evidence of its dangers.

Research indicates that even minimal exposure to paraquat can lead to severe health consequences, including respiratory failure, renal damage, and an elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease. There is currently no known antidote for paraquat poisoning, making it particularly dangerous. Public health advocates argue that the absence of stringent regulations allowing such hazardous chemicals to persist in Indian agriculture poses a grave threat to both farmers and consumers alike.

The situation is further complicated by the lack of comprehensive monitoring systems within India to track the usage and impact of these chemicals. Unlike in several Western nations, where rigorous testing protocols ensure that agricultural inputs meet strict safety standards, India lacks similar mechanisms. As a result, the presence of these banned substances in food products often goes undetected until they trigger international trade issues or public health crises.

Public health officials warn that the increasing prevalence of cancer in India may be partially attributed to prolonged exposure to these toxic chemicals. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the number of new cancer cases in the country rose to an estimated 14.6 lakh in 2022, with projections indicating a further increase to around 15.7 lakh by 2025. While cancer is a multifactorial condition influenced by genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors, the role of chemical exposure cannot be overlooked.

Efforts to address this issue have seen some grassroots movements gain momentum. Farmer organizations such as Rajasthan’s Kisan Mahapanchayat have called for stricter controls on the use of paraquat and other hazardous pesticides. Similarly, state governments in Kerala and other regions have begun exploring measures to restrict access to these substances. However, national-level policy changes remain elusive, highlighting the need for coordinated action across various stakeholders.

As awareness grows about the risks posed by these banned chemicals, pressure mounts on policymakers to implement robust regulatory frameworks. Ensuring that agricultural practices align with global safety standards will require not only legislative reforms but also enhanced surveillance and enforcement mechanisms. Until such measures are put in place, the continued use of these carcinogenic substances in Indian agriculture remains a pressing public health concern.