Ministry of Agriculture investigates illegal sale of harmful pesticides

he Ministry of Agriculture has launched an investigation into a retailer selling harmful pesticides without following proper labelling standards, Barbados TODAY has learned.

 

The issue came to light during a workshop on Friday aimed at educating farmers and industry stakeholders on pesticide management, highlighting concerns over outdated legislation and the failure to incorporate the CARICOM pesticide labelling standard into Barbadian law.

 

The ministry’s acting registrar of pesticides, Jennia Oxley, explained that the investigation centres on identifying the party responsible for labelling the improperly marked products.

 

“I saw some of them (the pesticides without proper labelling) and we spoke to them (management),” Oxley said. “Some of the products were pulled from the shelf and we spoke to the particular manager at that location, but they are not responsible for the labelling, they are just selling. We are investigating further to get to the person who is actually responsible for putting on the labels.”

 

She stressed that while this incident is not isolated, the Ministry of Agriculture has generally received cooperation from retailers in similar situations.

 

“Most of the times when we speak to the persons they take responsible action and pull the items from all of the other entities that would have had their product,” she added. “So it would then be for us to follow up to make sure that they have actually done what was agreed to, but usually, we get cooperation.”

 

Oxley noted that infringements often occur due to small, unreadable text on pesticide labels or the absence of standardised hazardous symbols, which indicate the level of harm the chemicals can cause if mishandled. She stressed the importance of proper labelling to ensure safe usage.

 

She said: “In instances like this, you bring it to the attention of the particular entity and the product has to be pulled, especially if it is a case where the writing is too small. If it is too small, it means that you cannot read it, you won’t know how to use that particular pesticide and therefore it has to be relabelled.”

 

Outdated pesticide laws have compounded the issue, Oxley added, revealing that efforts are underway to modernise regulations, including updating labelling requirements to meet international standards.

 

“There is a Caribbean labelling standard and we are seeking to incorporate that into our Pesticides Act,” she noted.

 

The labelling of pesticides is linked to the Rotterdam Convention treaty that promotes informed decision-making in the trade of hazardous chemicals.

 

The treaty’s Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure requires exporters of hazardous chemicals, including pesticides, to provide accurate labelling and safety information. This ensures that importing countries are informed about any known restrictions or bans on these chemicals, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their importation.

 

Michael Ramsay, a Rotterdam Convention consultant, echoed concerns about the sale and use of pesticides in the region, calling attention to the health and environmental risks.

 

“Pesticides are inherently harmful substances both for human health and the environment and it is necessary to provide information on what those hazards are for that particular pesticide . . . .Based on that information, the person buying the pesticide must decide whether they want to use that pesticide or they want to look around for an alternative,” Ramsay said.

 

He also expressed concern over the lack of protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, worn by farmers while handling chemical pesticides.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb