Advisory Committee on Pesticides Annual Report 2001

<strong>Advisory</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> on Pesticides Annual Report 2001
sub chronic neurotoxicity study was considered more appropriate than the
method proposed. The absence of dermal studies was also noted.
Azafenidin
Azafenidin is a selective triazolone herbicide new to the EU. It affects sensitive
weeds through inhibition of protoporphyrinogen oxidase involved in the
protoporphyrin biosynthesis pathway.
The EU application had been evaluated by Spain, the Rapporteur Member
State (RMS), and a Draft Assessment Report (DAR) prepared. The DAR
considered the use of a water dispersible granule formulation containing
800g/kg azafenidin, to be used in grape vineyards, citrus and olive orchards
to control broad-leaved weeds. No applications for use in the UK had
been made.
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The DAR had been distributed to all Member States for consideration in the
EU peer review process. The RMS proposed a postponement of a decision
on inclusion of azafenidin in Annex I of Directive 91/414/EEC until evaluation
of certain further data.
ACP members provided written comments on the assessment that generally
agreed with the report but questioned some aspects of the toxicology
assessment.
Benzoic acid
Benzoic acid is a contact disinfectant. Its proposed uses in horticulture
(floriculture) were regarded as within the remit of EU Directive 91/414/EEC
for consideration as a new pesticide active substance.
The EU application had been evaluated by Germany, the Rapporteur Member
State (RMS), and a Draft Assessment Report (DAR) prepared. The DAR
assessed a soluble liquid (SL) formulation containing 90 g/l benzoic acid
used for the control of fungi, bacteria, viruses and viroids by disinfection
of surfaces, culture vessels and equipment by watering, dipping and soaking
in glasshouses and similar protected cultivation areas. There had been no
applications for UK use. The DAR had been distributed to all Member States
for consideration in the EU peer review process.
The ACP considered the DAR and draft comments prepared by PSD. The
<strong>Committee</strong> noted that benzoic acid was an approved food additive and agreed
with the proposed ADI and AOEL and, as no effects were seen in acute
studies, that an ARfD was not needed. Members noted that the in vitro