Anvisa has published a new pesticide indication form for toxicological safety reassessment in Brazil

In a significant move towards enhancing the safety assessment of pesticide products, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency, Anvisa, has introduced a user-friendly and entirely electronic pesticide indication form. This innovative step aims to streamline the process of toxicological safety reassessment, making it more accessible and efficient for all stakeholders.

The new pesticide indication form marks a departure from the conventional paper-based submissions. Instead, it allows users to submit their suggestions electronically, eliminating the need to send documents via email. This transition to a fully electronic platform is expected to expedite the collection and evaluation of crucial data in the reassessment of pesticide active ingredients.

One of the primary objectives of the revised process is to compile a more robust risk matrix for ranking and selecting active ingredients that warrant re-evaluation. This initiative builds upon the last list of active ingredients for re-evaluation published in 2019, which prioritized seven compounds. Among these, the re-evaluation of carbendazim led to its eventual ban, underlining the significance of this endeavor in safeguarding public health.

Currently, four active ingredients are undergoing technical analysis by Anvisa, while two are awaiting the publication of a notice to commence re-evaluation. The revised pesticide indication form ensures that stakeholders, including representatives from the regulated sector and ordinary citizens, can contribute to the nomination process. However, it is important to note that providing technical-scientific information to support the suggested nominations is a prerequisite.

The toxicological reassessment of pesticides is a crucial post-market action undertaken by Anvisa to review the registration of products with potential health risks that were not initially identified during the registration process. Re-evaluation becomes necessary when there are concerns about the unacceptable risks posed by a particular active ingredient in a pesticide. The results of this re-evaluation can lead to various outcomes, including the suspension, ban, or maintenance of pesticide registrations, often with the adoption of health protection measures.

Anvisa invites all interested parties to contribute to the new matrix for selecting and prioritizing active ingredients for re-evaluation. This collaborative approach underscores the agency's commitment to ensuring the safety of pesticide products and protecting public health.

For those seeking further information on the toxicological re-evaluation process of pesticides, Anvisa's re-evaluation page provides comprehensive insights into the criteria used to prioritize active ingredients, the toxicological aspects evaluated, the complete list of active ingredients slated for re-evaluation, and much more.

This groundbreaking step by Anvisa in introducing a more accessible and efficient pesticide indication form promises to enhance the safety assessment of pesticide products, reinforcing the agency's dedication to safeguarding the health and well-being of the Brazilian population. Stakeholders are encouraged to actively engage in this important process to contribute to the ongoing improvement of pesticide safety standards.

More information at: Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) — Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária - Anvisa (www.gov.br)