Carbendazim Use on Pome Fruit Banned
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The use of carbendazim products on pome fruit has been banned due to public and occupational health and safety risks associated with its use, and the consumption of treated produce.
Background
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) made the decision to withdraw approval for the use of carbendazim products on pome fruit, turf and other horticultural crops in January 2010.
The decision was based on data indicating that maximum residue limits (MRLs) for some food crops and potential public exposure to treated turf may not meet new health standards.
From January 25, 2010 the APVMA:
- restricted the horticultural and turf uses of carbendazim. New label instructions removed all uses (including post harvest dipping) of carbendazim on pome fruit, grapes, cucurbits (including melons), citrus fruit, custard apples, mango, stone fruit (including cherries) and turf
- extended health warnings on carbendazim product labels to include birth defects and male infertility in laboratory animals.
While MRLs are not affected at this stage, it is expected that MRLs for restricted food crops will be removed in the near future.
Phase out periodThe six month phase out period allowing carbendazim products supplied to retailers before January 25, 2010 to be used according to existing labels ended on July 25, 2010. Product supplied to retailers after January 25, 2010 must be used according to the new label. Any use of carbendazim products after July 25, 2010 must comply with the new instructions issued by the APVMA. Changes affecting use on pome fruitSince the phase out period ended, it is illegal to use carbendazim products on pome fruits. Carbendazim products were reclassified to Schedule 7 poisons (Dangerous Poisons) on January 1, 2011. In Victoria, Schedule 7 poisons are ‘restricted use’ chemicals that can only be used by authorised users and according to the label directions. Individuals found to be using carbendazim off-label on pome fruit can be fined up to $22,000 for contravening chemical label instructions. Users should check the requirements for using Schedule 7 Dangerous Poisons with their relevant state government departments. Users are advised to discuss alternative chemical use options with their local reseller or agronomist. |
Affected products
| Affected products containing carbendazim |
|---|
| Hylite Timber Preservative |
| Hylite 80 Anti-Sapstain |
| 4Farmers Carbendazim 500 Fungicide WP |
| Antiblu CC Concentrate Timber Fungicide |
| Farmoz Howzat SC Systemic Fungicide |
| Boomer Systemic Fungicide |
| Chemag Carbendazim 500 SC Fungicide |
| Campbell Goldazim 500 SC Systemic Fungicide |
| Kendon Carbendazim SC Systemic Fungicide |
| Superway Carbendazim 500 Systemic Fungicide |
| Halley Carbendazim 500 Systemic Fungicide |
| Kenso Agcare Carbendazim 500 SC Systemic Fungicide |
| Crop Care Bavistin FL Systemic Fungicide |
| Shincar 500 SC Fungicide |
| Nufarm Spin Flo Systemic Fungicide |
| Ospray Carbendazim 500 Fungicide |
| 4Farmers Carbendazim 500 SC Fungicide |
| Country Carbendazim 500 Fungicide |
Some of these products are no longer marketed or available
Further information
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
www.apvma.gov.au
Department of Primary Industries
Jonathan Fahey - (03) 9217 4431
Steven Field - (03) 5824 5532
www.dpi.vic.gov.au/chemicaluse
List of other relevant state government departments throughout Australia
http://www.apvma.gov.au/about/nrs/use.php
Chemical manufacturers and resellers
