How has FMC responded to allegations of Furadan's misuse in Kenya?

When allegations surfaced in the spring of 2008 in the Maasai Mara region, we immediately stopped the introduction of any additional Furadan into the sales channel in Kenya. In addition, we conducted our own investigation led by a senior toxicology manager. We also offered technical assistance to the Kenyan government official investigation. Both investigations concluded that there was no connection between the deaths of the lions and Furadan.

Why hasn’t FMC stopped selling Furadan in Tanzania and Uganda?

FMC instructed our distributor for Eastern Africa to stop sales of Furadan into Tanzania and Uganda in April 2009 as a proactive and precautionary measure. Conservation groups were concerned that Furadan sold in those countries could be used for illegal baiting there and also brought into neighboring Kenya. We have also conducted a buy-back program in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. We continue to work closely with government agencies and conservation groups on this issue.

Does FMC intend to start selling Furadan again in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda?

FMC has no plans to reintroduce the product in these countries in the future.

What is FMC's position on product misuse?

FMC is very concerned about any unlawful use of our products, especially misuse that results in harm to the public health, wildlife, or the environment. We monitor and report incidents of misuse to local governments, and we support strong enforcement actions against illegal pesticide use regardless of where it occurs.

Isn't it illegal to use pesticides for things other than what is on the label? What are the consequences for doing that?

It is illegal to use a pesticide or other chemical product for other than its intended purpose as stated on the product label. The consequences vary by country, but range from fines to imprisonment. In Kenya specifically, Pest Control Products Board investigators have the authority to bring criminal charges against those who misuse chemical products.

What does FMC specifically do to ensure Furadan is not intentionally misused to kill fish, birds and other valuable wildlife in Kenya?

In the Agricultural Products Group, significant time is spent training and educating distributors and farmers on the safe and responsible use of our products. FMC also supports ongoing stewardship programs funded by CropLife International and the local CropLife association. In addition, we monitor misuse through our distributor and the existing system in the Kenya Pest Control Products Board which investigates reports of deliberate misuse of pesticides.

Why does FMC sell products like Furadan, and why do they continue to do so in developing countries while the United States and European Union consider carbofuran to be too dangerous for humans, birds and other wildlife?

FMC sells Furadan and other products like it to help growers meet the demands of an ever-increasing human population on the world's food supply. Proper use of these products allow farmers to continue to farm efficiently and maintain favorable crop yields. FMC's Furadan brand of carbofuran has a long history as a safe and effective product for sustaining agriculture. The granular formulation was sold in Kenya for growers to use to control pests that are very destructive to crops – for example, nematodes, aphids, grubs, weevils, stalk borers.

Why don’t you just add something to your product to keep lions and other wildlife from ingesting it?

FMC has initiated new research to see if a bittering agent can be added that will effectively deter wildlife or keep them from ingesting our granular product. In addition, we believe there might be other product stewardship approaches for wildlife that will help ensure the product will only be put in the hands of responsible parties. We are currently exploring these approaches as well.

Is it true that carbofuran has been responsible for the deaths of eagles and other endangered bird species? 

Carbofuran is toxic to birds, but the risk of exposure to a lethal dose can be managed by following label directions. There have been reports of bird deaths from normal use, accidental spills and intentional baiting, but such reports have declined since 1991 as a result of measures implemented to mitigate the risk. Since these protective measures were put in place, there have been no reported incidents of bird mortality resulting from labeled uses of carbofuran since 2000.

How long has carbofuran been on the market?

It was first registered in the United States in 1969 and in Kenya in 1989.

Are there other products that could be used in place of Furadan in Kenya?

There is only one other product, an organophosphate, which is registered in Kenya that controls the same pests in the same crops. This product has equivalent toxicity to carbofuran. It is scientifically well known that continuous use of a single product can lead to insect resistance and the loss of the crop. This would be an unacceptable solution for Kenya agriculture and the growers who depend on crops for their livelihood.