Australia releases final regulatory decision on malathion: most uses restricted, strict control after 12 months

The active ingredient of malathion, chemical products, and labels had previously undergone chemical assessment and public consultation. The final regulatory decision indicates that due to the inability to effectively mitigate environmental and worker safety risks, malathion will currently not be authorized for most uses in large-scale crops, pastures, horticulture, and in grain storage areas and poultry houses.

Nevertheless, there is currently no imminent risk to workers or the environment, and food safety has not been affected. After the 12-month phase-out period, the use of malathion will be strictly limited to extremely limited scopes and must be conducted under strict control. Additionally, all uses involving handheld sprayers will be completely prohibited.

The decision was made not only with a focus on worker safety but also based on evidence of the potential environmental negative impacts of malathion. Environmental risks are primarily related to birds, and also affect small mammals and sensitive aquatic organisms, mainly due to spray drift.

Malathion is a widely used insecticide, primarily for controlling various insects in pastures and crops, including locusts and grasshoppers. Additionally, it is used to control beetles in poultry houses, as a structural treatment agent in grain storage facilities, and as a grain protectant for long-term protection of stored grains. For most agricultural uses that will now be canceled or restricted, alternative products are already available on the market.