Moves by the European Parliament to enforce stricter controls on pesticides could lead to higher food bills, according to a Kent Conservative Euro MP.

But the claim by Richard Ashworth MEP has been dismissed by Kent Green MEP and party leader Dr Caroline Lucas, who argued the decision to limit the use of pesticides on certain crops was good news for consumers.

The European Parliament Environment Committee has approved plans to restrict the use of some pesticides that have been used for years to protect crops.

Farmers fear the controls could mean they have fewer options available to deal with pests and prices will be pushed up for basic goods like bread and potatoes.

Mr Ashworth said: "This legislation threatens already hard-pressed consumers who are now even more likely to see their monthly food bill go up.

"With the current worries over food prices and food security, it seems absurd that MEPs are voting for proposals without the benefit of an impact assessment to make a more informed decision."

He cited a proposed ban on triazole fungicides as an example of how wheat yields could be threatened, leading to higher bread prices.

But Dr Lucas said she supported the new controls and dismissed what she labelled as industry scaremongering.

"Human health must be given better protection from the chemicals entering into our environment.

"The European Commission already acknowledges that long-term exposure to pesticides can lead to ‘serious disturbances’ to the immune system, cancers, and genetic damage.

"Heavy pesticide use also poses a well documented risk to the natural world through the contamination of drinking water, threats to biodiversity, and long term soil degradation."

She added: "When you hear that a Cox’s apple can typically be sprayed 18 times with various pesticides, you really have to question the wisdom of current methods."