POISONS
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what restrictions he plans to apply to the rodenticide difenacoum. [153056]
Mr Hoban, Minister of State for Employment: Restrictions are already applied to rodenticides containing difenacoum as conditions of authorisation to control the risks to people and non-target animals.
The restrictions include instructions for use, for example, prevent access to bait by children, birds and non-target animals such as dogs, cats, pigs and poultry; remove baits and bait trays after treatment; and search for and remove dead rodents frequently during treatment. They also specify the maximum concentration of difenacoum in the product, and the inclusion of aversive agents to strongly discourage human ingestion, together with restrictions on areas of use such in sewers or in and around buildings.
The restrictions relating to areas of use are presently under review. In a recent constructive meeting, on 23 April with a wide range of interested parties there was broad agreement to consider some changes leading to less prescription in specifying areas of use coupled with more active product stewardship by suppliers, users and other interested parties to promote safe and sustainable use. The Health and Safety Executive will take this forward in consultation with interested parties.