Warning after drums with ‘very dangerous’ chemical could split

A recall of two batches of a herbicide containing the controversial chemical paraquat may still not have found all affected drums.

A recall of two batches of a herbicide containing the controversial chemical paraquat may still not have found all affected drums.

On Christmas Eve, the nation’s agricultural chemical regulator published a recall of two batches of 20-litre drums of Gramoxone 360 Pro because the containers could rupture.

The Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicine Authority issued the recall notice for

the herbicide sold between the start of October and December 20, and carrying the batch numbers 389865 and 389866.

While the APVMA maintains it is up to the manufacturer to follow this up, Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking said this may not find all the affected drums.

“There is a risk in the system, especially if you do not deal with your local reseller, and I get plenty of offers for chemicals by email and text,” Mr Hosking said.

“It’s not time to sound an alarm but we are continually improving the way we use chemicals and you would like to think the APVMA is continually improving too.”

The recall notice, issued on the APVMA website, said the drums were “not made to the required specification and may not be sufficiently durable during handling and use”.

“The affected 20-litre containers have been discovered to have reduced strength and under certain stress conditions that may be encountered during storage, transport and use, there is an increased risk the containers may rupture presenting a hazard to persons handling the product.

Customers have been asked to quarantine containers from affected batches and contact Syngenta for instructions for collection and a refund.

The Gramoxone 360 Pro label warns the chemical is “very dangerous, particularly the concentrate” and advises the use of elbow-length PVC gloves when opening the container and preparing for use, as well as a face shield or goggles.

The Weekly Times contacted the Syngenta customer service line, which gave similar advice to that on the APVMA recall notice, and advised that anyone with the affected drums should contact their local Syngenta territory manager.

The recall comes as the APVMA continues its review into the use of paraquat and diquat.

APVMA chief executive officer Scott Hansen has previously said the regulator received submissions from across industry, community, medical and public health sectors.

“We recognise that there is heightened interest in paraquat, both from those who rely on it as a key tool in farm management, as well as those who have concerns of a possible link between paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease,” Mr Hansen said..