"The improper distribution and use of pesticides and highly toxic compounds, in particular in developing countries, continues to cause health and environmental problems," said Gero Vaagt, Rome-based FAO's senior officer for pesticide management.

"If all parties concerned applied the code, many lives would be saved and environmental damage would be avoided," he added.

In many developing nations, the use of pesticides remains a major risk, the U.N. says.

The U.N. World Health Organisation estimates that each year there are 25 million cases of pesticide poisoning and as many as 20,000 unintentional deaths, primarily in poor countries.

Long-term effects of regular exposure to pesticides often cause chronic illnesses, including cancer, the U.N. says.

While more than 80 percent of pesticides are applied in rich countries, 99 percent of all poisoning cases occur in poor states where regulatory, health and education systems are weakest, according to FAO.

In many of the poorest countries storage of farming chemicals does not meet even minimal standards, the world food body said.

"Highly toxic products are easily available while protective clothing is often too expensive for poor farmers or impossible to wear in humid and hot environments," the statement said.

Unlike the original guidelines, the revised code outlines practices to minimise potential risks from pesticides urging strict standards during the whole life cycle of a product, including development, regulation, production, use and disposal.

"Besides saving lives, applying the code means avoiding toxic waste - millions of dollars for cleanup operations could be saved and spent on environmentally friendly pest control measures," FAO said.