EU Bans Slug Pellets

Methiocarb slug pellets will be phased out following the withdrawl of approval from the EU.  The active ingredient is found in products such as Draza Forte which are widely used by growers of high-value crops such as potatoes.  Although a timetable for withdrawl has not yet been set out, sales of the product are likely to cease this summer with farmers having a further year from then to use up stocks.  The ban is due to concern over the effects of the chemical on farmland birds.  Methiocarb is a somewhat niche product with the vast majority of slug pellets being used in the UK having metaldehyde as the active ingredient.  But this product is also coming under scrutiny with traces being found in watercourses.