How do Fungicides get recalled?
While Fungicides are imperative when it comes to killing and stopping the spread of fungal spores, they can bring about serious damage to agriculture if not used correctly. It is for this reason that fungicide recalls are conducted regularly to keep consumers protected from a product that may cause an onset of disease and other health complications.
The Controversial Carbendazim Recall
After the FDA found out that there were some traces of the fungicide carbendazim in orange juice coming from Canada and Brazil, it stepped up its efforts to test the chemicals in the juice. While Carbendazim is approved for use in on many crops, the EPA has not approved its use on orange trees. However, carbendazim use is legal in Brazil, a fact that raises the question about fungicides that are illegal to use in the United States, but are used on imported crops.
What complicates the matter even further is the fact that the United States exports fungicides that are not registered with the EPA to other countries. This is despite the UN declaring that such exports from the United States are immoral. According to the FDA, they find illegal use of fungicide residues in 1 to 2 percent of the domestic produce and in 5 percent of the imported produce.
Should Carbendazim Be used In the United States?
Based on the above argument, a lot of questions were raised on whether carbendazim should be used in the United States. The fact that the EPA has not approved carbendazim use as fungicide in oranges, nor has it established a tolerance or an exemption from the need for tolerance makes the use of carbendazim in the United States illegal, all factors withstanding.
According to the The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) preliminary risk assessment, the consumption of carbendazim at low levels has been reported to raise safety concerns, further cementing the position that carbendazim should not be used in the United States.
Who Has the Jurisdiction Over Fungicide Recalls?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the jurisdiction over any fungicide recalls.
How Do You Know if the Product You Have is Recalled?
You can always check for the most recent fungicide recalls at EPA’s official website, www.recalls.gov/epa. The Agency regularly updates its website with fungicide recalls, thus you cannot miss finding out about the product you are currently using.
What Do You Do With a Recalled Product?
Bearing in mind that a recalled product poses health risks, the best way to deal with a fungicide that has been recalled is to get rid of it.
