Nébih draws attention to the dangers of counterfeit pesticides

By: STA Date: 2026. 03. 17. 10:20

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The use of counterfeit pesticides endangers crops, the environment and health. This is what the National Food Chain Safety Authority (Nébih) is drawing attention to in its one-week communication campaign entitled “Don’t spray, take risks”. The authority is encouraging hobby and professional farmers with educational content and an interactive quiz on social media platforms to only buy products from licensed, reliable sources. This reduces economic and plant health risks.

(Photo: Pixabay)

According to the European Plant Protection Association, 14 percent of the pesticide trade in Europe is involved in counterfeiting and illegal distribution, and in Hungary this rate is around 10 percent. Counterfeit products are of unknown origin and composition, so neither their effectiveness nor safety is guaranteed. Their quality and actual composition are uncontrolled, and their use can be dangerous. In contrast, legally distributed pesticides are authorized by the authority after a strict, multi-stage examination, taking into account the effectiveness, acceptable risk to humans and the environment, and quality parameters. Authorized products are monitored throughout the entire period of distribution. They can be used safely in accordance with the regulations, with a Hungarian-language label, and by following the instructions for use and danger signs.

Nébih’s “Don’t Spray Risk” communication campaign week focuses on the risk posed by counterfeit pesticides

The authority uses playful and educational content to draw attention to the fact that we should only buy pesticides – both online and in physical stores – from licensed Hungarian distributors. It also pays special attention to recognizing counterfeits: for example, a strikingly low price, a faulty or incomplete label, the lack of a Hungarian-language user manual, and an unknown or foreign seller can give rise to suspicion.

Undoubtedly, it is not easy for buyers

Counterfeit products can be of poor quality, with inadequate or different active ingredients, or even high-quality imitations that are deceptively similar to the original in their packaging and contents. For safe purchasing, it is essential to choose a reliable distributor, keep the receipt, and avoid street vendors, markets, unknown corner traders, and foreign online advertisements. In case of suspicion, the Nébih Green Number (06-80/263-244) can be called, and a report can be filed with the plant protection authority. The message of the campaign is clear: by purchasing any counterfeit product, we support illegal activities and put our own health, the environment, and future crop safety at risk. Responsible, legal purchasing is important in order to avoid spraying risks.

Nébih