Withdrawal of phitosanitary products containing the active substance Phosmet

Regulation (EU) no. 2022/94 establishes, starting from 1 May 2022, the withdrawal of all the authorizations issued on national territory, concerning the placing on the market of plant protection products containing the active substance Phosmet, which is identified by EFSA as dangerous for the health of operators, workers, bystanders and residents as well as for customers.

The marketing of the quantities produced up to the revocation time, as well as the sale and distribution by authorized sellers and/or distributors, was allowed until 31 July 2022.

The use of the revoked plant protection products by end users was permitted no later than 1 November 2022.

What is Phosmet

Phosmet is an active substance that belongs to the family of organophosphorus compounds, well known and used in olive growing for its known effectiveness in the fight against the olive fruit fly which therefore can no longer be used in phytosanitary treatments of olive trees (but also of other crops).

What changes

This normative change does not imply significant consequences on the oils currently on the market and obtained from treated olives when Phosmet-based pesticides were allowed as long as the Phosmet content is within the MRL (Maximum Residue Level) established by the legislator with respect to “oil olives” (equal to a maximum of 3 mg/kg).

Regarding the oils that will be produced starting from the 2023/2024 harvest campaign, if they are obtained from olives grown in EU countries, it is not expected to detect the presence of Phosmet since, otherwise, it would be the sales manager’s responsibility to demonstrate, through documentary traceability, that these are lots containing (in whole or in part) oils produced prior to the introduction of the withdrawal/ban, and which can be legitimately marketed until exhaustion