October 30, 2015
The use of insecticides containing fenthion in Queensland is now illegal following the end of the official “phase out” period.
Severe penalties will apply for anyone caught using the banned organophosphate.
Fenthion products were first registered more than 40 years ago under State-based approval processes and have been widely used in Australia.
The ban follows risk assessments carried out on toxicology, residues in food, worker exposure and environmental effects.
Orchardists have used fenthion-based products such as Lebayacid to control fruit fly while graziers have used acaricides such as Tiguvon Spot-on.
All other pest control and home garden products containing fenthion are also now illegal.
The 12-month phase out was introduced by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) in October 2014.
- Related article: APVMA Bans Insecticide
