Media Release
Voluntary recalls of trifluralin underway in WA, Vic and NSW
Date: 27 August 2012
Ref: 2012/08
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.
| Company | Product | APVMA approval | Batch no(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grow Choice Pty Ltd | Choice Trifluralin 480 Herbicide | 59371 | 20111120 20111201 20120210 |
| 5Heads Pty Ltd trading as Perth Progressive Supplies & Trio Manufacturing | Pro Trifluralin 480 Herbicide | 65690 | All batches |
| Trio Trifluralin 480 Herbicide | 64509 | All batches | |
| Keyport Nominees Pty Ltd | Key Trif 480 Herbicide | 65886 | All batches |
| The Farm Exchange Pty Ltd | The Farm Exchange Trifluralin 480 Herbicide | 66974 | SNHS110930 |
“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. For further information about lodging an adverse experience report, call 1800 700 583, or download the reporting form from the APVMA website at www.apvma.gov.au.
Further information
- Trifluralin batch withdrawn; APVMA investigations continue—23 July 2012
- Agvet chemical regulator investigates problems with trifluralin in WA—9 July 2012
- Adverse Experience Reporting Program (AERP)
- Sampling and Testing Outcomes
- Trifluralin testing 2005–07 (PDF, 60kb)
- Trifluralin results - November 2007
- Priority 2 chemicals nominated for review
- Voluntary Recall Notices
Contact
Media Inquiries
Phone: +61 2 6210 4701 (select option 3)
Email: media@apvma.gov.au
Download the PDF version of this media release: Voluntary recalls of trifluralin underway in WA, Vic and NSW (PDF, 202kb)