Fernando P. Carvalho reviews the impact of pesticides and agrochemicals on the environment and food safety. Agrochemicals have significantly increased food production over the last century, but their intensive use has led to contamination of soils, ecosystems, and human food. Despite the phase-out of persistent organic chemicals, legacy and new residues still affect food, water, and the environment. Alternative approaches to reduce pesticide use include genetically modified organisms, organic farming, dietary changes, and food technologies. Agroindustries must adopt safer practices, including careful testing, risk assessment, and education for farmers. Scientific research is essential for developing safer food production and environmental protection. Global agreements on good agricultural practices, including the development and use of genetically modified organisms, are needed to ensure safe food production. Pesticides and fertilizers have increased agricultural productivity, but their use has caused environmental contamination and health risks. The use of synthetic pesticides has led to the accumulation of residues in the environment, affecting non-target species and human health. Pesticides can travel long distances through the atmosphere, leading to global contamination. Persistent organic chemicals, such as DDT, remain in the environment for years, accumulating in organisms and posing risks to biodiversity and ecosystems. Newer pesticides, while less persistent, can still accumulate in the environment and pose health risks. Pesticide residues in soils and aquatic environments are a major concern. These residues can contaminate water, affect aquatic life, and threaten food safety. Contamination of coastal areas and marine ecosystems is widespread, with residues of various pesticides found in marine organisms. The use of pesticides in agriculture has led to the contamination of water sources, affecting both human and aquatic health. Efforts to reduce pesticide use include the development of safer alternatives and improved application techniques. Human exposure to pesticide residues is a significant public health concern. Pesticides can cause cancer, endocrine disruption, and other health issues. Despite regulations, pesticide residues in food and water remain a problem, requiring continued monitoring and research. The need for safer food production and environmental protection is urgent, with a focus on reducing chemical use and improving food safety. International cooperation is essential to address the challenges of pesticide use and ensure food security and safety.Fernando P. Carvalho reviews the impact of pesticides and agrochemicals on the environment and food safety. Agrochemicals have significantly increased food production over the last century, but their intensive use has led to contamination of soils, ecosystems, and human food. Despite the phase-out of persistent organic chemicals, legacy and new residues still affect food, water, and the environment. Alternative approaches to reduce pesticide use include genetically modified organisms, organic farming, dietary changes, and food technologies. Agroindustries must adopt safer practices, including careful testing, risk assessment, and education for farmers. Scientific research is essential for developing safer food production and environmental protection. Global agreements on good agricultural practices, including the development and use of genetically modified organisms, are needed to ensure safe food production. Pesticides and fertilizers have increased agricultural productivity, but their use has caused environmental contamination and health risks. The use of synthetic pesticides has led to the accumulation of residues in the environment, affecting non-target species and human health. Pesticides can travel long distances through the atmosphere, leading to global contamination. Persistent organic chemicals, such as DDT, remain in the environment for years, accumulating in organisms and posing risks to biodiversity and ecosystems. Newer pesticides, while less persistent, can still accumulate in the environment and pose health risks. Pesticide residues in soils and aquatic environments are a major concern. These residues can contaminate water, affect aquatic life, and threaten food safety. Contamination of coastal areas and marine ecosystems is widespread, with residues of various pesticides found in marine organisms. The use of pesticides in agriculture has led to the contamination of water sources, affecting both human and aquatic health. Efforts to reduce pesticide use include the development of safer alternatives and improved application techniques. Human exposure to pesticide residues is a significant public health concern. Pesticides can cause cancer, endocrine disruption, and other health issues. Despite regulations, pesticide residues in food and water remain a problem, requiring continued monitoring and research. The need for safer food production and environmental protection is urgent, with a focus on reducing chemical use and improving food safety. International cooperation is essential to address the challenges of pesticide use and ensure food security and safety.