Australian authorities make final decision on fenthion - FreshFruitPortal.com

Australian authorities make final decision on fenthion

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Australian authorities make final decision on fenthion

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has delivered on its intentions to ban the chemical fenthion in horticulture, although its use will still be allowed for the post-harvest dipping of tropical and subtropical inedible peel fruits. paltas_43225885 small - avocados

The organophosphorus (OP) insecticide was previously registered for a range of crops in Australia, including apples, avocados, papayas, grapes, mangoes, stonefruit, tomatoes and peppers.

The APVMA published preliminary review findings in May this year, and took into account submissions from governments, growers and the community through a final consultation period before making the final decision.

"It brings together the outcomes of all risk assessments done to date, including toxicology, residues in food, worker exposure and environmental effects," the APVMA said in a release.

"The APVMA is allowing a phase-out period of 12 months to enable use of cancelled products. The current instructions for use of the horticultural product (that apply by permits) will continue during this time period.

"This phase-out period is consistent with the recommendation of the recent Senate Inquiry."

When the authority indicated it would ban fenthion two years ago, one grower told www.freshfruitportal.com there could be "severe consequences' if not enough transition time was given to find alternatives.

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