Issue 14, August 29, 2017
Azadirachtin Recall
Four organic insecticides were recently found to be contaminated with several synthetic insecticides by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). ODA is now working to identify the source of contamination for these insecticides. All found contaminants are insecticides, and their presence in treated plant products could lead to unknown health effects for consumers and major economic losses for organic and other growers. If organic growers used these adulterated organic insecticides, they could end up with illegal residues on their agricultural products, potentially preventing them from marketing their production.
The ODA issued a stoppage of sale and distribution in Oregon on 6/28/17 for AzatrolHydro Botanical Insecticide and AzatrolEC Insecticide (both under EPA Reg. No. 2217-836) manufactured by PBI-Gordon. The manufacturer has since issued a nation-wide voluntary recall of both of their adulterated insecticides. On 7/24/17, the Oregon Department of Agriculture issued a stoppage of sale and distribution of Neemix 4.5 (EPA Reg. No. 70051-9) manufactured by CertisUSA, LLC and AzatinO (EPA Reg. No. 70051-9-59807) manufactured by OHP, Inc.
These insecticides list azadirachtin as the only active ingredient. For Neemix4.5 and AzatinO, azadirachtin makes up 4.5% of the mixture. For both Azatrolinsecticides, azadirachtin makes up 1.2% of the mixture. Azadirachtin is derived from neem seeds. All four of these insecticides are listed for organic use by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).
The pre-harvest interval (PHI) for these insecticides is zero days for multiple fruits and vegetables. If you see AzatrolHydro or AzatrolEC for sale, please share this information with the distributor so they can participate in the recall. If you have either of these insecticides already in your possession with the EPA Reg. No. listed, contact your distributor or the manufacturer. (Mike Wierda and Peter Ellsworth, University of Arizona, and Phil Nixon)
Author:
Phil Nixon