Bayer Cooperating With EPA’s Cancellation of Temik

Bayer CropScience is cooperating with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following today’s announcement to cancel uses of aldicarb, sold as Temik brand insecticide/nematicide, on potatoes and citrus. Uses on all other crops will remain, but will be phased out over the next few years.

According to the agreement with the EPA, farmers may continue to use existing stocks of Temik on citrus and potatoes until December 31, 2011, allowing inventories to clear the channel of trade. Uses on all other crops will be maintained with some additional label changes, until an orderly product phase-out is completed, consistent with Bayer’s global replacement strategy regarding WHO Class 1 products. The company plans to discontinue marketing aldicarb in the United States and other markets worldwide by 2014.

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This decision follows a new dietary risk assessment process recently completed by the Agency. Although the company does not fully agree with this new risk assessment approach, Bayer CropScience says it respects the oversight authority of the EPA and is cooperating with them. This decision does not mean that aldicarb poses a food safety concern, according to the company.

“For nearly 40 years, Temik has provided farmers with unsurpassed control of destructive pests, without compromising human health or environmental safety” said Bill Buckner, President and CEO of Bayer CropScience. “We recognize the significant impact this decision will have on growers and the food industry, and will do everything possible to address their concerns during this transition.”

The company will work with farmers and other stakeholders in the distribution chain during this phase-out process. Customers can contact the Bayer CropScience Customer Interaction Center at 866-992-2937 for further information.

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