FAO confirm specifications for paraquat formulations
The FAO/WHO specification scheme is regarded as a benchmark representing a global standard of product quality.
1. The specifications can be applied as a tool in risk assessment to ensure that products on the market meet minimum acceptable quality standards.
2. They offer quality insurance for users and vendors against inferior products.
3. They also provide an important link between biological efficacy and specification requirements.
FAO and WHO specifications are proposed by manufacturers based on a submitted data package and the evaluation of technical material found to be satisfactory by the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Specifications (JMPS).
Under the procedure initiated in 1999 and continuing under current practice, the proposer must provide a “minimum” data package containing information on human health and environmental safety, as well as information on the manufacturing process and the resultant impurity profile of the technical material. The package contains summaries of the acute, subacute, and chronic toxicological properties of the technical material, including reproductive and developmental toxicity, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. Likewise, summaries of the ecotoxicological profile of the technical material are provided, including toxicity to selected aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
FAO published a new document dated 2008 on the specifications for paraquat dichloride technical material concentrate (TK) and paraquat dichloride formulations (soluble concentrate SL and soluble granules SG).
The former specification of 2003 contained the same evaluation report with the same conclusions, however, the adoption of the specification for SL and SG formulations by FAO was subject to a satisfactory completion of peer validation of the analytical method for terpyridines (accepted by CIPAC in 2007) and the emetic (peer-validated in 2003). Accordingly, only the specification of the TK material was included in the version of 2003.
The specifications are based on the evaluation of data submitted by Syngenta Crop Protection AG. Currently Syngenta is also the sole manufacturer whose paraquat products were evaluated by JMPS and found to comply with the FAO specifications. The evaluation report is included in the FAO specification document.
Paraquat, like other active ingredients, is constantly being studied by national and global authorities and other researchers. Many experts support that when used properly, paraquat can deliver safe, effective weed control, generating greater social and economic benefits, while protecting the land for future generations. More about this here.