Gazette APVMA 5, 3 May 2005 page 25

NOTICE

 

Preliminary Review Findings of the Review of Approvals
and Registrations Related to Methiocarb

Methiocarb is a carbamate pesticide that has been registered for use in Australia for over 20 years. Similar to other carbamate pesticides, methiocarb kills insects by interfering with the activity of an enzyme (acetylcholinesterase) in the nervous system. Methiocarb is highly toxic to humans and animals. Poisoning can occur by oral ingestion (swallowing) or by inhaling (breathing) the spray or dust.

Products containing methiocarb are used for the control of snails, slugs, wireworm and birds in a range of agricultural and domestic situations. Major agricultural uses of methiocarb include grapevines, citrus, berries, pastures, cereals, and ornamentals.

The APVMA, in accordance with Part 2, Division 4, of the Agvet Code, has reviewed the following aspects of active constituent approvals, product registrations and label approvals for methiocarb.

The scope of the review covered all risk areas associated with registrations and active approvals including:

· Chemistry;
· Toxicology, including the potential for acute and chronic effects that might pose undue hazards to human health;
· Occupational Health and Safety, including the potential for undue hazards to workers;
· Residues in food, including acute and chronic dietary exposure estimates;
· The potential for undue prejudice to Australian trade; and
· Environment.

The APVMA also considered whether product labels carry adequate instructions and warning statements. Such instructions include:

· the circumstances in which the product should be used;
· how the product should be used;
· the times when the product should be used;
· the frequency of the use of the product;
· the withholding period after the use of the product;
· the disposal of the product and its container;
· the safe handling of the product.

Following the review of methiocarb, the APVMA has found that the major concerns with this chemical relate to Occupational Health and Safety of workers exposed to baits and spray solutions containing methiocarb, environmental exposure as a result of inadequate label directions, and health concerns (dietary) as a result of residues in food.

In view of these findings, the APVMA is proposing to:

· Affirm active constituent approvals.
· Vary currently approved labels to allow the APVMA to be satisfied that they contain adequate instructions in accordance with s 14(3)(g) of the Agvet codes including:

o Deleting all uses on food crops;
o Deleting all uses on pastures;
o Deleting soil drench uses in ornamentals;
o Replace existing environmental protection and cautionary statements;
o Replace existing Safety Directions; and
o Add Re-entry statements.

· Affirm product registrations.
· Cancel old approved labels that are deemed not to contain adequate instructions.

The APVMA’s detailed findings can be found in the APVMA Preliminary Review Findings report.

The APVMA invites persons and organisations to submit their comments and suggestions on this Preliminary Review Findings report directly to the APVMA. Your comments will assist the APVMA in preparing the Final Review Report and Regulatory Decision.

Submissions specifically addressing the areas of concern noted in the Preliminary Review Findings document must be in writing and reach the APVMA by 31 July 2005, by email to chemrev@apvma.gov.au or by mail to:

Evaluator methiocarb Review
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
PO Box E240
KINGSTON ACT 2604

For further information please contact (02) 6272 3213 or Fax (02) 6272 3218