APVMA proposes permanent restrictions on carbendazim use

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines (APVMA) has today outlined its proposed regulatory action for the fungicide carbendazim. carbendazim is currently being reviewed because of OH&S, residues in food and public health concerns.

The Preliminary Review Findings released today identifies that some uses of carbendazim products, as currently labelled, may pose an undue risk to the public or workers using the chemical.

Accordingly, the APVMA proposes that previously suspended uses on grapes, cucurbits, citrus fruit custard apple, mango, pome fruit, stone fruit and turf will be permanently discontinued.

In addition, the APVMA is also proposing to withdraw other registered uses on bananas, strawberries, sugarcane setts, ginger seed pieces, red clover and subterranean clover due to a lack of adequate data to enable residue risks to be further evaluated. It is proposed that use on roses will also be withdrawn because of OH&S concerns.

It is proposed that current uses on macadamia nuts and pulses will remain, subject to amended label instructions.

The APVMA invites public comment on these proposed regulatory outcomes. Consultation closes 5 August 2011.

While these regulatory actions are intended to address OH&S, residue and public health concerns, carbendazim is also scheduled for a review relating to spray drift risk in the near future. Further regulatory action may occur as an outcome of the spray drift review.

carbendazim is a fungicide registered in Australia for control of a wide range of fungal diseases such as mould, mildew, rot and blight in a variety of crops. There are currently 15 carbendazim products registered in Australia.