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<p>Before a pesticide can be used, its active substance must be approved and the pesticide
itself must be authorised. Decisions on approval and authorisation are based on an
assessment of the risks posed to people and to the environment. Such decisions are
devolved and so are taken by the relevant government or by the Health and Safety Executive
on its behalf. Decisions on the authorisation of pesticides for use in Scotland are
not, therefore, taken by the UK Government.</p><p> </p><p>The active substance 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene
(1,4-DMN) is approved but at present there is no authorised product. All four UK governments
have granted an emergency authorisation allowing the limited and controlled use until
31 May of a 1,4-DMN product to prevent sprouting of harvested potatoes. This emergency
authorisation is granted in recognition of the need for sprout suppression and the
lack, in certain circumstances, of alternative means of control.</p><p> </p><p>Potatoes
treated with 1,4-DMN are only permitted to be imported from the EU or elsewhere if
the level of the chemical is below a statutory Maximum Residue Level of 15 mg/kg.</p>
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