A Chemical and Food Safety Alert
of the
Northwest Horticultural Council

Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) Phase-out

October 30, 2013

In 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized details of its proposed phase-out of Guthion (azinphos-methyl or AZM) on apples, pears, and cherries, with a scheduled termination date for distribution, sale and use of AZM of September 30, 2012.

However, on August 30, 2012, EPA announced that use of existing AZM stocks was to be extended until September 30, 2013, due to large amounts of product remaining following severe tree fruit crop losses in the Eastern and Midwest United States.

Use of Guthion, or azinphos-methyl is prohibited after September 30, 2013. A U.S. tolerance for azinphos-methyl residues remains in place. EPA has not announced a timeline for tolerance revocation.

Contact: If you have any questions, please contact the Northwest Horticultural Council at 509-453-3193.