Uruguay bans four agrochemicals and restricts use of another two

The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fishery of Uruguay has banned four agrochemical products considered highly dangerous and also restricted the use of two other agrochemicals. 

 

The banned products are Azinphos methyl, Methidathion, Methomyl and Atrazine.

 

According to the general director of Agricultural Services, Federico Montes, the aim was to preserve the biodiversity of genetic controllers that could have insects in any place of production. 

 

The class 1 products (considered very dangerous for human health) that were banned were meant to be herbicides are used for fruits and vegetables.

 

Though these products are very controlled and meant for use under professional guidance, their exclusion was justified to ensure guarantee to the final consumer “that the product was in compliance with the parameters of safety,” said Montes. The Atrazine herbicide raised questions mostly because of supposed contamination of groundwater. 

 

On the other hand, Carbofuran (class 1), used in Uruguay for the control of pest birds, such as parrots which impact the crops, has been marked as being for restricted use. What is being done now is to restrict the formulation used for the planting of potato, chilli and tomato. It would now be used in its original formulation for the control of pest birds. This formulation is allowed only for the use of the ministry, said the director of Agricultural Services. 

 

Montes clarified that the import, registration and commercialization of the products cited as prohibited or restricted will no more be possible. 

 

 The stock of products already in Uruguay would be allowed for use. The use of these products will be monitored. 

 

“We have the power to check the registration and also to inspect all the shops that sell these products,” noted Montes.