Should DEET Insect Repellent Labels Be Updated?
Official title: Consultation on DEET plus related active toluamides and its associated end-use products, Proposed Re-evaluation Decision PRVD2025-09
Health Canada is reviewing DEET, the active ingredient in most bug sprays. The verdict? It's still safe to use. But the government wants to update product labels to meet current standards and add a warning about rare skin reactions like itching or rashes.
Why This Matters
Use bug spray in the summer? You're probably using DEET. It's in 201 products sold in Canada and has been around since 1957. This review confirms it's safe, but your spray bottle might get clearer instructions and a new warning about skin reactions.
What Could Change
Product labels for DEET-based bug sprays will be updated to meet current standards. A new precautionary statement will warn users about rare skin reactions. No changes to the product formulas themselves are proposed.
Key Issues
- Are the proposed label updates sufficient to protect consumers?
- Is the new skin reaction warning appropriate?
How to Participate
- Review the summary of the proposed decision to understand the proposed label changes.
- Submit your comments to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Publications Section by the deadline. Include the document title PRVD2025-09 in your submission.