The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Natural Resources and Cooperatives urgently informs the general public and all stakeholders that the use of Pesticides containing the active ingredients Chlorpyrifos, Chlorpyrifos Methyl, and Imazalil is suspended until further notice. This decision was taken as a result of ongoing research findings indicating that there is no safe exposure level for Chlorpyrifos (EFSA).
Imazalil, a post-harvest fungicide used to control a wide range of fungal diseases in fruits and vegetables has also been suspended as of June 13th, 2021. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Imazalil maybe a likely human carcinogen (WHO, 2006),
This means that these substances will no longer be allowed for importation and national use with immediate effect.
The Department will continue to monitor emerging research on pesticides approved for use in Saint Lucia to ensure that they are safe for humans, animals, and environmental health.