UK Approves Amendment to Prosulfuron Approval, Lifts Application Restrictions
The UK has lifted prosulfuron application restrictions, allowing annual use of the herbicide for improved pest control.
The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its 2022 report on the monitoring and control of plant protection products (PPPs), highlighting critical compliance findings and residue risks. Released on 24 April 2025, the report is essential reading for manufacturers, importers, retailers, and regulatory professionals across the chemical and agricultural sectors.
Key Insights
Enforcement Trends and Non-Compliance Cases
The 2022 monitoring programme recorded 161 official control visits in Great Britain, revealing over 100 instances of non-compliance. Violations ranged from unauthorised pesticide residues to improper labelling and online sales of unapproved products.
One notable case involved tri-allate, a herbicide found in 20 kale and broccoli samples due to suspected volatilisation. The HSE responded by advising duty holders and engaging with authorisation holders to review potential mitigation strategies.
In Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) pursued 6 enforcement cases concerning unauthorised online sales, all of which were resolved through voluntary compliance.
Pesticide Residues and Food Safety Monitoring
The HSE tested 3,304 food samples across 28 commodity types. While 98.18% complied with maximum residue levels (MRLs), 60 samples exceeded legal thresholds. Follow-up action was taken in 11 cases, including communication with the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
This part of the programme plays a key role in consumer safety and risk profiling for food producers and retailers. Substances analysed included captan, propyzamide, and indoxacarb, each with specific toxicity and application considerations.
Implications for the Supply Chain and Beyond
For businesses across the manufacturing value chain—particularly those dealing with crop protection chemicals, agro-tech, food production, or logistics—the report underscores the need for rigorous compliance with evolving regulations.
Key risks include:
- Supply chain contamination via volatile residues.
- Reputational damage from unauthorised products online.
- Enforcement penalties and market withdrawal.
Regulators also conducted formulation checks and BASIS store audits, finding formulation inconsistencies and issuing remedial actions to ensure product safety and environmental protection.
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