Registrants recall problematic trifluralin in Australia

By CnAgri2012-09-04 14:55:50 Print Following investigations commencing in March 2012, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has agreed to a voluntary recall of a number of problematic batches of the herbicide trifluralin and is continuing to investigate others.

The trifluralin, imported from China and distributed in Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, was discoloured and odorous and the subject of reports that exposure to the product made people nauseous.

Four registrants currently have recalls involving five products underway. All recalls are the result of products being formulated with an unknown solvent.


"The recalls are being conducted by the product registrants, who are advising their suppliers and requesting them to contact purchasers of the defective batches”, said APVMA’s Compliance Manager, Dr Jan Klaver.

"Consumers who still hold product from the relevant batches should contact the registrant (contact details are on the label) or their supplier to find out how to participate in the recall.”

While these voluntary recalls are underway, the APVMA investigation has widened and now involves seven registrants and eight products in total.

"This APVMA continues to be pleased with the cooperation of the product registrants in resolving this issue as quickly as possible”, said Dr Klaver. “We remind farmers to report any adverse experiences they have using farm chemicals.”