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Bayer Knew Pesticide Killed Bees, Critics Charge

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(Newser) – A German prosecutor is investigating allegations that chemical giant Bayer CropScience knowingly sold a pesticide that kills honeybees, the Raleigh News & Observer reports. The investigation follows complaints from German beekeepers and environmentalists that the company covered up incriminating data on chlothianidine. In the US, meanwhile, an environmental group sued the EPA last week to release its data on the pesticide.

A German study earlier this year blamed chlothianidine for playing a role in colony collapse disorder, a mysterious phenomenon that has led to a precipitous drop in honeybees around the world. "We're suspecting that Bayer submitted flawed studies to play down the risks of pesticide residues in treated plants," a spokesperson for a German anti-Bayer group says.

A US environmental group is accusing the EPA of covering up information about a pesticide that harms bees.
A US environmental group is accusing the EPA of covering up information about a pesticide that harms bees.   (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
A bee gathers pollen from a sunflower at Martz Farms in Duncannon, Pa., Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008.
A bee gathers pollen from a sunflower at Martz Farms in Duncannon, Pa., Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Some bees swarm around a box at the home of Timothy Fulton, a self-described
Some bees swarm around a box at the home of Timothy Fulton, a self-described "backyard beekeeper" Tuesday, June 17, 2008, in Kenosha, Wis.   (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
A condition called colony collapse disorder is striking beehives nationwide and still stumping scientists, researchers and farmers.
A condition called colony collapse disorder is striking beehives nationwide and still stumping scientists, researchers and farmers.   (AP Photo)
A German group is accusing chemicals giant Bayer of knowingly harming honeybees.
A German group is accusing chemicals giant Bayer of knowingly harming honeybees.   (AP Photo)
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