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 www.caps.20m.comCanadians Against Pesticides |
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Green Tea contaminated with discontinued fungicide Associated Press April 19, 2001 TOKYO -- AP reported today that "a green tea retailer in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture has begun recalling its organic tea products after a test by a consumer group found traces of an agricultural chemical in a sample." The report announces that a March 12 test showed residue equalling 0.17ppm of the fungicide benomyl. The product is marked with the "Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) organic stamp." and, according to officials, "was shipped in December by Hishiwaen in Yokohama". Ironically, Dupont notified all employees, today, that it's "Benlate" (benomyl) products will be phased out by december 2001. The company notice cited "global market conditions and other factors" as the reason for ceasing production. However, it must be noted that benomyl is classified as a "possible human carcinogen" by the EPA. The pesticide has also been linked to babies being born without eyes, studies demonstrate causality to liver damage and chromosomal aberrations. The following is a reprint of the Dupont press release: |
DuPont Company Memo April 19, 2001 For your information, this morning DuPont is informing our customers around the world that we will discontinue the manufacture of the fungicide benomyl and will phase out sales of Benlate® in all its forms from the global market. No sales will occur after December 31, 2001, and we expect all product will clear the channels of trade by the end of 2002. We are advising customers that this is not a product recall, but a voluntary business decision based on a review of global market conditions and other factors. The decision is part of the recently announced restructuring to improve the overall competitiveness of our agricultural businesses. A significant element of the reason to withdraw is that we are no longer willing to bear the high and continuing costs of defending the product in the U.S. legal system where factors other than good science can influence outcomes. In addition, there are significant ongoing costs and resources necessary to meet increased regulatory requirements around the world and keep the product active. We believe those resources are better applied to other areas of the business. DuPont remains fully confident that Benlate® is safe when used as directed. The 30-year-old fungicide has been an excellent crop protection option for growers worldwide. |
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