The active ingredient fenthion will no longer be permitted for use, following a decision by the APVMA.
The APVMA has banned most uses of fenthion, citing safety concerns around people, animals, plants and the environment. The ban will come into effect in October 2015.
Fenthion is a broad spectrum organophosphorus (OP) insecticide that has been registered in Australia for over 50 years. It is used by growers to control fruit fly.
The APVMA review considered the use of fenthion to control insect pests in agricultural, commercial and domestic situations, external parasites on cattle, and pest birds in and around buildings.
After consideration of advice from various agencies and submissions from industry and the public, the APVMA was not satisfied that the continued use of fenthion products:
- would not be an undue hazard to
the safety of people exposed to them during their handling or people using anything containing its residues - would not be likely to have anunintended effect that is harmful to human beings
- would not be likely to have anunintended effect that is harmful to animals, plants or the environment.
The APVMA affirmed the active constituent approval for fenthion held by Bayer CropScience and reprieved Lebaycid Insecticide Spray but only for post-harvest treatment of tropical and subtropical fruits with inedible peels.
It cancelled the registrations of Tiguvon Spot-on Cattle Lice Insecticide, Control-A-Bird Agent, Avigrease Pest Bird Eradication Compound, David Gray’s Mosquito and Spider Spray Insecticide, Avigel Pest Bird Control Agent and Lebaycid Fruit Fly & Insect Killer.
For more information visit the APVMA website.
