The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced the expiry of approvals for two active substances, famoxadone and indoxacarb, used in plant protection products in Great Britain (GB). This decision follows comprehensive reviews indicating that these substances no longer meet the necessary approval criteria set out in assimilated Regulation 1107/2009.
Uses and Risks of Famoxadone
Uses
Famoxadone is a fungicide commonly used to protect crops from fungal diseases. It is particularly effective against downy mildew, late blight, and other fungal pathogens affecting a variety of crops, including potatoes, tomatoes, and grapes.
Risks
Recent reviews have identified significant risks associated with famoxadone, especially concerning its impact on birds. The findings indicated that famoxadone poses unacceptable risks to bird populations, leading to the conclusion that it no longer meets the approval criteria under the Regulation.
Expiry and Withdrawal Programme
Considering these risks, the approval for famoxadone ended on 30 June 2024. To ensure the safe removal of existing stocks, HSE has implemented a phased withdrawal programme:
- Producers: Permitted to sell and distribute authorised famoxadone products until 31 December 2024.
- Users: Allowed to dispose of, store, and use existing stocks until 31 December 2025.
Further details can be found on the GB approval register on the HSE website.
Uses and Risks of Indoxacarb
Uses
Indoxacarb is an insecticide used to control a wide range of insect pests, including caterpillars, beetles, and some species of ants. It is applied to various crops, such as vegetables, fruits, and cereals, to protect them from pest damage.
Risks
The review highlighted non-dietary exposure risks associated with indoxacarb, which exceed the toxicological reference values for operators, workers, residents, and bystanders. These findings indicate that indoxacarb poses significant safety concerns, making it non-compliant with the approval criteria under the Regulation.
Expiry and Withdrawal Programme
Due to these risks, the expiry date for indoxacarb has been set for 31 August 2024. HSE has established a phased withdrawal programme:
- Producers: Permitted to sell and distribute authorised indoxacarb products until 28 February 2025.
- Users: Allowed to dispose of, store, and use existing stocks until 28 February 2026.
Additional information can be found on the GB approval register on the HSE website.
