Triforine Chemical Review

In 2002, the APVMA (formerly the NRA) began a review of water-based products containing triforine after the Australian Consumers Association raised concerns that water-based products containing triforine might break down and be ineffective as fungicides.

The review aimed to determine whether water-based products would be effective when used according to the label instructions and whether the registrations and associated label approvals should be reconsidered.

The effectiveness of these products depends partly on the concentration of the active constituent (in this case triforine) and the application rate specified on the approved labels. Products containing triforine at levels below that stated on the label may not be effective and therefore not meet the efficacy criterion required for continued registration by the APVMA.

In Australia, triforine products have been available as either concentrates or ready-to-use formulations. Concentrates typically have an alcohol solvent and are diluted in water just before spraying. Ready-to-use products have water as their solvent, and are diluted at the point of manufacture.

This review concerned water-based triforine products only. A number of alternative alcohol-based triforine products are still available for use in the home garden. Consumers should check the packaging. The red 'flammable' symbol on the container is an indication that the product is alcohol based.

In January 2003, before the review was completed, all three registrants voluntarily withdrew their water-based products from the market and asked that the registrations be cancelled.

In March 2003, the APVMA released the Triforine review final report. The review concluded that it was likely that water-based products containing triforine would not contain the level of triforine stated on labels and therefore would not be effective fungicides.

As a result of the review, the APVMA compulsorily recalled all cancelled products. The registrations had already been cancelled before the review was completed.

The review was concerned only with water-based triforine products. A number of other alcohol-based triforine products were not included in the review and were not affected by the review findings.