Re-evaluation decisions for two common insecticide ingredients released by PMRA, label statements required

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has released its March 2, 2023 re-evaluation decisions for pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide. Most uses of both ingredients will continue to be acceptable, but there are some cases where the use has been cancelled that could have impact to products sold at retail, such as post-harvest on bulk or bagged stored grains, or claims related to lice killing.

The biggest effect to retail will be that affected products also include many insecticides, bug, and garden sprays, and anti-lice or flea pet sprays or shampoos, which will have to have label statements informing consumers of possible side effects if this product is present. Lists of registered products affected are found in Appendix I of each decision, with implementation timelines ranging from 18 to 24 months at retail level, depending on which Table a product appears in. Full information and implementation timelines are detailed in the linked documents above. RCC is working with industry associations and government to mitigate the effect at retail.