Should This Weed Killer and Slug Bait Stay on the Market?
Official title: Consultation on iron (present as Ferric Sodium EDTA Trihydrate) and associated end-use products, Proposed Re-evaluation Decision PRVD2025-08
Health Canada wants to keep ferric sodium EDTA products available for sale. These are used to kill dandelions, clovers, and other weeds in lawns—plus they're the only slug and snail killer approved for home use. The government says the risks are acceptable when used as directed, but they're updating the labels.
Why This Matters
Got dandelions taking over your lawn? This product might be in your shed right now. It's one of the few weed killers that also handles slugs eating your garden. If you're concerned about pesticide safety—or want these products to stay available—now's your chance to weigh in.
What Could Change
Health Canada plans to keep these products registered with updated label statements. No new restrictions are proposed. The labels would be updated to match current standards, but the products would remain available for both commercial landscapers and homeowners.
Key Issues
- Should ferric sodium EDTA products remain registered for sale in Canada?
- Are the proposed label updates sufficient for safe use?
- Are the occupational, dietary, residential and environmental risks acceptable?
How to Participate
- Read the Proposed Re-evaluation Decision to understand the science behind this decision.
- Submit your comments to the PMRA Publications Section. Reference document title: Proposed Re-evaluation Decision PRVD2025-08.
Submit Your Input
Questions Being Asked (3)
- Do you support the continued registration of ferric sodium EDTA products?
- Are the proposed label updates appropriate?
- Do you have concerns about occupational, dietary, residential or environmental risks?