World calls out to ban pesticide: Chlorpyrifos

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide. Pure Chlorpyrifos appears as white or colourless crystals and is used in the agricultural industry to control many different pests, such as termites, mosquitos and roundworms. It has been banned from indoor use in the US due to its adverse health effects. Although this insecticide has been used for years, recently it has received more attention, targeted at banning it all around the world. Leading health authorities say that it does not meet the required safety criteria, and are linking it to cancer, brain damage in children and nerve disorders. Chlorpyrifos works by blocking an enzyme which controls messages that travel between nerve cells, it can be harmful if touched, inhaled or eaten. Residual use is considered to be the main source of contamination.

Does chlorpyrifos deserve a bad reputation? What is its status in South African Regulations?

According to the ‘Agricultural remedies that are banned or restricted for use in the Republic of South Arica (2017)’, Chlorpyrifos has been banned for household and garden use since 2010. This does not rule out the risk of residuals still landing on our plates through imported goods or other means.

The Department of Health Regulation R. 246/1994 includes the following maximum residue levels:

Therefore, residues of this insecticide are currently still permitted on certain foodstuffs. We wait with anticipation to see whether or not South Africa will follow the rest of the world in banning the substance completely.

For more information on pesticide testing, regulatory or food safety consulting, please contact us.