Chlorpyrifos for mangoes, crops may be phased out

While waiting for the outcome of a dialogue initiated by the Bureau of Plant Industry with chemical companies for the possible withdrawal of Chlorpyrifos from the market, the Department of Agriculture has regulated the use of the insecticide due to its negative effects on mangoes and other crops.

This was learned after the DA found out that improper use of Chlorpyrifos produced residues beyond the maximum residue limit of 0.05 parts per million (ppm) set by Japan for Philippine mangoes.

DA-7 regional director Eduardo Lecciones yesterday said that they have regulated the use of the insecticide due to its high toxicity level, that when ingested, may pose health risks like cancer.

In a report, the Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare implemented last year the new maximum residue limit of this chemical from 0.5 ppm to 0.05 ppm.

Japan is a major market for local mangoes, representing 30 percent of total export of fresh mangoes. Japan also imports mango puree, dried mangoes and mango juice, mango concentrates and other mango-based products from the Philippines.

In Resolution No. 2 of the joint committee on agricultural and fishery council, the BPI submitted its recommendation to DA Secretary Domingo Panganiban to regulate the application of Chlorpyrifos chemicals on mango and other crops because of its negative effects.

To regulate the application of Chlorpyrifos, the BPI advised growers that the insecticide is recommended for control of mango leafhoppers and should be sprayed only within 30 days after flower induction. The pre-harvest interval is recommended in less than 50 days to prevent excessive residues (greater than 0.05ppm).

BPI requires a certificate of inspection and residue analysis and a phytosanitary certificate prior to exportation of mangoes to Japan.

Exporting firms are required to submit a pesticide residue management program approved by Japan and monitored by the BPI.

Information campaign on the proper use of this chemical was conducted here, in Bataan, Quezon, Davao, Zamboanga, and La Union. Other mango-growing areas were also scheduled. - Jasmin R. Uy