Jan 30, 2019

EU considering ban of chlorpropham, sprout inhibitor used on stored potatoes

Potato storers in the UK are concerned about the uncertainty of future use of the sprout inhibitor chlorpropham (CIPC) in the European Union.

The Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) reported:

“Potato store managers in the UK will be able to call on information and support from an £800,000 fund ring-fenced for sprout suppression and storage advice as the uncertainty around the future of chlorpropham (CIPC) continues.

“There have been several delays to the re-approval for use in the European Union (EU) of CIPC, which is used as a sprout suppressant on more than 80 percent of potatoes stored in the UK.

“The EU’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF) was scheduled to vote on the renewal of CIPC’s approval for use both as a herbicide and as a sprout suppressant at its December meeting — but a vote did not take place. It is on the agenda to be discussed again at the January meeting. The European Food Safety Agency’s recommendation remains non-renewal.”

The EPA permits use of chlorpropham on stored potatoes in the U.S. 

Full Report: AHDB Potatoes