New restrictions in place for use of fenthion

The use of fenthion on a number of food crops has been restricted due to potential short-term dietary risks. It has also been prohibited for use on specific fruits and vegetables.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) announced the restrictions on 31 October, following the release of the 2012 Fenthion Residues and Dietary Risk Assessment Report in September which found that its use on many crops could exceed the recommended public health standard.

The new restrictions also prohibit its use on all fruit and vegetables grown in the home garden.

“When a regulator makes a finding relating to the potential health risks to the population, the community expects that immediate action is taken, which we have done by suspending specific uses today,” said Dr Raj Bhula, Pesticides Program Manager.

The APVMA received more than 70 submissions in response to the proposed restrictions. “Information provided by grower groups during the review has enabled us to allow temporary restrictions on some uses that would otherwise have been removed,” said Bhula.

The new use instructions will remain in place for 12 months while the environment and occupational health and safety components of the review are completed. For more information, click here.