The European Union (EU) has renewed the approval of the plant growth regulator Maleic Hydrazide (MH), however new regulatory requirements will now apply to all products containing MH.

MH products are used on potatoes for sprout suppression and volunteer control, the UK AHDB explains. In accordance with EU regulations, MH products are now required to contain lower levels of hydrazine in order to meet tightening restrictions on metabolites.

More significantly, under the new EU regulation (2017/1506) crops treated using MH products can no longer be fed to livestock. The UK approval body the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) requires that all crop protection products containing MH must now carry on the label the phrase ‘Do not feed to livestock’.

These restrictions apply to all MH products from the authorization holders from November 1, 2018. However, MH products placed on the market before the date which do not comply with the new requirement (i.e. existing labelled stock) have been allowed a grace period of six months for sale, and a further 12 months for use.

CRD have also requested that authorization holders and industry partners develop and implement a stewardship program to ensure compliance with the restriction, so that there is continuing safe use of MH and product registrations are maintained.