Research Triangle Park, N.C. – Bayer Environmental Science is voluntarily issuing a recall of Allectus G and Allectus GC granular products due to visible defects in the packaging. The company asserts that the recall pertains strictly to a packaging issue and is not a product issue in terms of efficacy or performance. There is no known health or safety risk associated with the packaging problem.
“We believe strongly in product stewardship and felt that this was the responsible and ethical action to take,” says Dan Carrothers, vice president, Chipco Professional Products, Bayer Environmental Science. “We regret that this incident has occurred and we will take measures to be sure that this does not happen again.”
The company is conducting a thorough investigation of the problem and involving the proper government authorities in the process. Bayer is currently communicating to its customers the steps for the proper collection and return of the product.
A solvent, benzyl alcohol, in the granular formulation of Allectus is permeating and delaminating the packaging. This is causing the ink on the printed label to smudge and become illegible. There have been no reported cases of ruptured bags or other packaging issues. In addition to the recall, Bayer is placing an immediate stop-sale of Allectus G and Allectus GC until the packaging problem is rectified. Approximately 3,000 bags of Allectus granular products are estimated to be affected by the voluntary recall.
Key packaging and formulation personnel at Bayer have secured samples and are examining how and why this occurred. Bayer voluntarily contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency and state regulatory bodies to advise them of their actions. The company is continuing to work with authorities to ensure that proper procedures are being followed as they investigate the cause of this packaging problem.
“We have reviewed technical data on Allectus and its ingredients and nothing indicates a cause for concern related to exposure,” explains Karen Shearer, director, North America Regulatory Affairs. “The EPA’s assessment indicates there is little or no exposure risk in handling Allectus.”
To date, there have been no known cases where handling the product has resulted in exposure. As with the handling of any chemical, Bayer Environmental Science strongly recommends the use of basic safety precautions. The company recommends that anyone handling recalled bags of Allectus should wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt and protective gloves made of materials such as rubber, neoprene or PVC.
End user customers can ask their distributors for Allectus SC or Allectus SC GC to use as a replacement product, or they can simply get a refund for the returned granular product. Bayer is informing customers about the recall of this product through e-mail notices, certified letters and a posting on the Bayer Environmental Science Web site (www.bayerprocentral.com). Customers also can contact the customer service hotline at 800-331-2867.
Bayer Environmental Science recalling Allectus Granular products
Voluntary recall of Allectus G and Allectus GC granular products is due to visible defects in the packaging.
