The German Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) has immediately banned the use of the germ-inhibiting agents 1,4Sight and Argos. The government organization reports this on their website. Two barns recently went up in flames due to misuse of the resources.
The BVL announced the news on 4 December. On this date, a total ban will also come into effect on both sprout inhibitors, which are widely used in potato cultivation. With the disappearance of CIPC (chlorpropham), 1,4Sight (dimethylnaphthalene) and Argos (orange oil) – together with the mint oil Biox-M – are the most commonly used germ inhibitors. The products have been authorized in Germany since 2018 and 2020. In addition to use, the resources may no longer be traded.
barns burnt down
This ban follows after 2 potato storage sheds burned down in a short time in the states of Saxony-Anhalt and Bavaria. Damage is in the millions as both barns have been completely destroyed. The reason for the fire is the use of hot nebulization equipment for the administration of the agents. To protect people and their environment, the BVL is therefore announcing a direct ban. Only when it is clearly made clear with which equipment the products may and may not be used.
According to the government agency, hot nebulization equipment has been used that is no longer allowed with these agents. Because some companies may still use this equipment, immediate action is taken. The news item underlines that more clarity is required on the label about the right equipment and with the right instructions.
Big impact
This decision has a major impact on German potato growers and the potato sector. Especially when it takes a long time for the label to be adjusted. After the disappearance of CIPC, 1,4Sight – in combination with MH – is the most commonly used sprout inhibitor. Argos is also widely used to treat potatoes with sprouts.
There is also much to be done in the Netherlands regarding the new resources. Not only because of the high price and limited availability, but also because of the penetrating air of these agents. It is therefore of great importance to strictly observe the re-entry time when a repository has been fumigated. Admission holder BASF is currently working on signs to be placed on the cell. This is because the cell must remain hermetically sealed for at least 48 hours after a treatment, it says. A sign should make that clear.
Deficiency
According to insiders, the 2 German cases are the result of illegally imported 1,4Sight from the Netherlands, which did not properly follow the regulations on the label. Due to the enormous demand for the drug in Europe, a large shortage has arisen in some countries. This also applies to the correct application equipment for the new germ inhibitors.