Health Canada recently issued an important regulatory decision to complete a comprehensive reassessment of the systemic fungicide tebuconazole and its end-use products.

based on the results of the reassessment, most of the agricultural uses of tebuconazole will be retained following the implementation of new risk mitigation measures. However, all lawn uses will be eliminated due to drinking water exposure risks, and acceptable safety standards will not be met even with additional risk mitigation measures.

As a broad-spectrum fungicide, tebuconazole is currently used in foliar treatments of field crops and asparagus, as well as in seed treatment and wood preservation. The reassessment was based on the latest scientific data, using an internationally recognised risk assessment methodology, taking into account manufacturer data, scientific literature and public opinion.

New risk mitigation measures include strengthening personal protection requirements, implementing engineering controls, setting restricted entry intervals for agricultural products, adjusting environmental labelling claims and establishing spray buffer zones. These measures are designed to ensure maximum protection of user health and environmental safety while ensuring the effectiveness of product use.

According to the latest decision, the following products will be deregistered: