The second Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE) Group meeting, held in July 2023, saw membership grow to include representation from the devolved administrations.
During the meeting, each member organisation provided an overview of their perspective on the current situation regarding fipronil and imidacloprid in the environment, associated evidence gaps and proposed future directions for the Group.
Given its importance, the Group agreed to increase meeting frequency and continue discussions on the issue.
In terms of other priorities, the Group agreed that a prioritisation exercise for future substances of concern could be useful.
Improving advice on the disposal of veterinary medicines was highlighted as another priority.
List of member organisations:
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)
- Environment Agency (EA)
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- Natural Resources Wales/Welsh Government (NRW/WG)
- Northern Ireland Environment Agency/Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (NIEA/DAERA)
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
You can find out more about the PiE group’s remit; New Pharmaceuticals in the Environment cross-government group - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).