Popcorn company phasing out bee-killing pesticides

A large popcorn company will begin phasing out the use of bee-killing pesticides on the corn seeds it uses to make popcorn.

Pop Weaver committed Wednesday to reducing the use of neonicotinoid insecticides by 50 percent next year and 75 percent in 2017, “because we’ve always believed in doing what’s right, and we remain conscious of the environment around us.”

{mosads}These bee-killing pesticides are used to protect corn seeds from insects. 

“Neonicotinoids are used on field corn seed and popcorn seed to protect the seed from insects when the seed is planted and until it sprouts,” Pop Weaver noted. “Importantly, neonicotinoids are applied only to seed before it is planted and not applied to the kernels consumed by humans. There is no human health risk.”

Pop Weaver, the second largest popcorn manufacturers in the U.S., faced pressure from animal activists to stop using bee-killing pesticides in its products.

The Center for Food Safety launched a public advocacy campaign last week targeting Pop Weaver and Pop Secret for their use of these bee-killing pesticides. The group blames neonicotinoids for at least partially contributing to the decline in the bee population around the world.

“Bees are dying at alarming rates, and scientists have identified neonicotinoids as a key factor in poor pollinator health,” Larissa Walker, pollinator program director at the Center for Food Safety, said last week. “We’re asking these companies to stand as leaders in their industry and help save these incredibly important species.”