Regulatory Update: 03/2007
Issued: 28 February 2007
Immediate Suspension of Approvals for fungicides containing tolylfluanid, product names 'Elvaron Multi' (M11422) and 'Talat' (11311)
1. The Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) has received information from the European Commission that the German Regulatory authorities have suspended a tolylfluanid containing fungicide “Euparen M WG”. The suspension is on the basis that a newly-characterised metabolite of tolylfluanid may in the course of treatment of water for the public supply, be converted into a nitrosamine. Nitrosamines are harmful to health and the product has been suspended whilst the risk is investigated.
2. In the UK PSD has been in contact with the approval holder Bayer CropScience Limited who have voluntarily agreed to suspend sale and supply of the two approved products containing tolylfluanid - 'Elvaron Multi' (MAPP No 11422) and 'Talat' (MAPP No 11311) until these issues can be resolved. PSD has amended the approval of these products to suspend approval for sale, supply, advertisement and use with immediate effect.
Storage is unaffected and it remains legal and perfectly safe for these products to be stored by anyone.
3. Since this is a complex issue and the investigations required to clarify the situation may be quite lengthy, the suspension is indefinite.
4. These contact fungicides are used on soft fruit such as raspberries, blackcurrants and strawberries and on top fruit such as apples and pears to protect against a range of fungal pathogens including Botrytis. The main use of these products is between April and August so there are likely to be only limited stocks of the products with distributors/farmers.
5. PSD is not aware of any historic adverse data on these products and has no evidence of any harm arising from historic or current use. Information gathering work has begun to clarify what risk, if any, may exist. PSD is working with the European Commission and the German authorities and will seek the views of the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides on this matter as necessary.
6. In the mean time users or distributors are advised to continue to store any stocks they hold and not to dispose of product illegally. Distributors are asked to inform all their relevant customers of the suspension. PSD will be seeking to publicise the suspension of use of tolylfluanid products through representative organisations and the trade press.
Contact Details
If you have any questions regarding this issue then please contact PSD Information Services Branch :
Email: pesticides@hse.gsi.gov.uk
Or phone: 01904 455775 (09:00 – 13:00 Monday to Fridays. An answer phone operates outside of these hours)