Should a Clove Oil Spray Be Approved to Stop Potatoes from Sprouting?
Official title: Consultation on rectified clove leaf oil and DECCO 070 EC, Proposed Registration Decision PRD2025-13
Health Canada is considering whether to approve a new product that uses clove leaf oil to stop potatoes from sprouting during storage. The product, called DECCO 070 EC, would be used by potato storage facilities to extend shelf life. Clove oil is a natural ingredient already used in some food applications.
Why This Matters
Eat potatoes? This affects how they're stored before reaching your grocery store. The product could reduce food waste by keeping potatoes fresh longer. It's a plant-based alternative to synthetic sprout inhibitors currently used on stored potatoes.
What Could Change
If approved, potato storage facilities across Canada could start using this clove oil spray. It would be added to the list of registered pest control products. Potatoes treated with this product would enter the food supply.
Key Issues
- Is rectified clove leaf oil safe for use on food crops?
- Does the science evaluation support registration of this product?
How to Participate
- Review the Consultation Summary to understand the proposed registration.
- Submit written comments to the PMRA Publications Section. Include the document title PRD2025-13 in your submission.