Research: Products Sold on Bonaire Contain Substances Banned by the EU

KRALENDIJK – Many products sold on Bonaire are banned in European Netherlands due to health risks. These concerns primarily involve items imported from North and South America. As a result, consumers on the island face increased risks of cardiovascular disease, skin irritation, and various forms of cancer.

This follows from the preliminary findings of a study conducted by Economisch Bureau Amsterdam (EBA), carried out on behalf of Fundashon Tienda pa Konsumidó Boneriano (FTPKB) as part of a consumer awareness campaign.

Outside European Legislation

Although Bonaire is part of the Netherlands, the island does not fall under European Union law. This means that products barred from the market in European Netherlands can be freely imported from the United States and placed on shelves across Bonaire. The study finds that the EU has banned significantly more harmful substances than the US.

Cosmetics, Food, and Pesticides

The gap between European and American regulations is substantial. In cosmetics, substances such as parabens and phthalates are permitted in the US, while they are banned or heavily restricted in the EU. These substances have been linked to hormonal disruption and harmful effects on reproduction and pregnancy.

In food products, examples include potassium bromate and ractopamine — both banned in the EU due to carcinogenic effects and cardiovascular risks, yet still permitted in the US. Significant differences also exist in pesticide regulation: substances such as dicrotophos and mancozeb are prohibited in the EU because of their harmful effects on the nervous system and reproductive health, but remain in use in the United States.

Further Research

To date, the EBA study has focused on the regulatory differences between Europe and the US, and on identifying which harmful substances may be reaching the Bonairean market. In the coming months, EBA will examine a selection of recognisable products to determine which substances are actually present in stores on Bonaire and what risks they pose to consumers.

Source: tiendapakonsumido.com