Argentina SENASA considering to ban chlorpyrifos

Amid the arduous debates about the use and abuse of agrochemicals in agricultural production in the country, the Argentina Agrifood Health and Quality Service (SENASA) has decided to ban chlorpyrifos, a dangerous organophosphate insecticide commonly used in various crops.

The prohibition process would be gradual and although the timeline has not been confirmed at this juncture, it is estimated that the entire mechanism will cover little more than a year but the process is already underway.

In the first stage, the import of active ingredients and products formulated based on chlorpyrifos will be prohibited.

Thereafter, there will be a ban on its production in the country followed by a total stoppage of the sale.

Chlorpyrifos is used in fruit, vegetable, grain, and garden.

Senasa's initiative is in line with that of many regulatory agencies in the world that are subjecting this active ingredient to review processes of registration, given that there are new studies regarding the toxicology of this substance.

This review generated new results in the consumer risk analysis process and concluded that it is necessary to restrict the approved uses through a ban on chlorpyrifos.

Therefore, it seeks to combine the protection of the health of consumers, and the users of the product, and ensure that exports of Argentine grains, vegetables and fruits will not be rejected in destination countries such as the European Union.