Registration Decision RD2021-07, Alcohol anhydrous, Restrain Fuel, B100 Restrain Generator, B200 Restrain Generator

Pest Management Regulatory Agency
2 November 2021
ISSN: 1925-0940 (PDF version)
Catalogue number: H113-25/2021-7E-PDF (PDF version)

Table of Contents

• Registration decision statement for alcohol anhydrous
• Other information
• Appendix I - Comments and responses

Registration decision statement^{Footnote 1} for alcohol anhydrous

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act, is granting registration for the sale and use of Restrain Technical, Restrain Fuel, B100 Restrain Generator (formerly known as Restrain Ethylene Generator Model B100) and B200 Restrain Generator (formerly known as Restrain Ethylene Generator Model B200), containing or using the technical grade active ingredient alcohol anhydrous, for use in outdoor air-cooled and mechanically cooled storage areas for sprout inhibition of potatoes and onions or in greenhouses for acceleration of ripening of tomatoes.

This decision is consistent with the Proposed Registration Decision PRD2021-04, Alcohol anhydrous, Restrain Fuel, Restrain Ethylene Generator Model B100, Restrain Ethylene Generator Model B200, whichcontains a detailed evaluation of the information submitted in support of this registration. The evaluation found that, under the approved conditions of use, the health and environmental risks and the value of the pest control products are acceptable. See Appendix I for a summary of comments received during the consultation process as well as Health Canada’s response to these comments.

Other information

The relevant test data on which the decision is based (as referenced in PRD2021-04)are available for public inspection, upon application, in the PMRA’s Reading Room. For more information, please contact the PMRA’s Pest Management Information Service by phone (1-800-267-6315) or by e-mail (pesticides-info@hc-sc.gc.ca).

Any person may file a notice of objection^{Footnote 2} regarding this registration decision within 60 days from the date of publication of this Registration Decision. For more information regarding the basis for objecting (which must be based on scientific grounds), please refer to the Pesticides section of the Health Canada’s website (Request a Reconsideration of Decision) or contact the PMRA’s Pest Management Information Service.

Appendix I Comments and responses

1. A comment from a grower group in support of Health Canada’s proposed decision to register Restrain Fuel, B100 Restrain Generator and B200 Restrain Generatorwas received.
2. A comment was received from a pediatrician, expressing concern at perceived increase in levels of alcohol anhydrous in food.

Response:

It is ethylene gas that is applied to the crops, not alcohol anhydrous. To be clear, the devices, B100 Restrain Generator and B200 Restrain Generator, convert alcohol anhydrous, which is present in Restrain Fuel, into ethylene gas, which is applied to the food crops. Ethylene gas is a naturally occurring plant growth hormone that inhibits the development of sprouts on crops when they break out of dormancy during storage, and it also accelerates the ripening process of fruiting vegetables. Therefore, the use of Restrain Fuel will not result in increases in the amount of alcohol anhydrous in foods and food products.

3. A comment was received from a member of the public, claiming that the proposed registration would cause too much pollution compared to its benefits.

Response:

Before registering a pest control product, Health Canada thoroughly assesses the value of the product as well as the risks to human health and the environment. Only products with demonstrated value as well as acceptable health and environmental risks are registered. The risk assessment (summarized in PRD 2021-05) concludes that the use of ethylene gas, produced on-site from alcohol anhydrous, in tomato greenhouses or in storage facilities for onions or potatoes, is acceptable when the product is used according to the label directions.