Accensi Pty Ltd (Accensi) was fined a total of $100 000 for the supply of herbicides found to contain additional chemical actives other than those listed in the registered formulation.

Today, the APVMA announced it successfully tested and has given the all clear to 16 agricultural chemical products screened for potential contaminants.

Almost 900 tests were conducted to search for 56 unique chemical compounds including ametryn, atrazine, diflufenican, MCPA, prometryn, simazine, s-metolachlor and thidiazuron. All samples were found to match the registered chemical formulation.

APVMA chief executive officer, Dr Chris Parker, said the tests are part of the regulator’s comprehensive compliance and monitoring program that ensures registered chemical products continue to provide a safe and effective form of pest control for Australia’s agricultural industries. 

“We tested a range of herbicides and insecticides for the presence of 56 chemical compounds and found all products were free of contaminants,” Dr Parker said.

“These results provide confidence to Australian farmers and the general public, that manufacturers are taking their responsibilities seriously and making products that comply with the registered formulation,” he said.

“Good manufacturing practice is built into the production of veterinary medicines supplied in Australia, and these results show consumers can expect the same quality assurance from companies making crop protection products.”

The APVMA CEO said the pesticides authority is all about protecting the health and safety of people, animals and the environment. 

“Our compliance and enforcement program provides vital checks and balances that ensure registered products remain safe and effective and will work as intended,” Dr Parker said.

“We’ll be testing more products over the following months,” he said.

“The fines issued in August along with our testing program, show the APVMA treats issues affecting the quality of agricultural and veterinary chemicals seriously.”