Should the Plant Growth Regulator Prohexadione-Calcium Stay Approved?
Official title: Consultation on prohexadione-calcium and its associated end-use products, Proposed Re-evaluation Decision PRVD2026-01
Health Canada wants to keep approving prohexadione-calcium, a chemical that controls plant growth. It's used on apples, cherries, and strawberries to balance fruit production, and on golf courses and sports fields to manage grass growth. The agency found the risks are acceptable when used as directed, so no new restrictions are proposed—just updated label wording.
Why This Matters
Eat apples, cherries, or strawberries? This chemical helps control how those fruits grow. Play golf or use sports fields? It's on the grass there too. Health Canada says it's safe when used properly, but if you have concerns about pesticides on your food or in public spaces, now's your chance to weigh in.
What Could Change
If approved as proposed, prohexadione-calcium products will remain on the market with updated label statements. No new restrictions on use would be added. The chemical would continue to be allowed on fruit crops and turfgrass at golf courses, sports fields, and municipal sites.
Key Issues
- Should prohexadione-calcium products continue to be registered for use in Canada?
- Are the proposed label statement updates appropriate?
- Are the assessed risks to workers, bystanders, and the environment acceptable?
How to Participate
- Read the Summary of the Proposed Re-evaluation Decision to understand the proposal and Health Canada's assessment.
- Submit your comments to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Publications Section by the deadline. Include the document title "PRVD2026-01" in your submission.