Dithiocarbamates - Phytocontrol

Phytocontrol, the only laboratory to determine the endogenous or exogenous nature of the presence of CS₂

Where do dithiocarbamates come from ?

Dithiocarbamates belong to the fungicide family. The main pesticides that make it up are: maneb, mancozeb, metiram, propineb, thiram, ziram and zineb divided into 3 families: DMD, EBD, and PBD.

Methyl group (DMD for dimethyldithiocarbamates) which includes thiram, ziram, metam.
Ethyl group (EBD for ethylenebisdithiocarbamates) which includes maneb, zineb, mancozeb.
Propyl group (PBD for propylenebisdithiocarbamates) which comprises propineb.

Which products are concerned ?

Vegetables

Fruit trees

Vine

Cereals

Regulations

MRLs are set in European Regulation No 396/2005 and its successive amendments, they are defined as a family :

Dithiocarbamates(dithiocarbamates expressed as CS2, including maneb, mancozeb, metiram, propineb, thiram and ziram).
Some, such as propineb, ziram and thiram have individual MRLs.

Metiram and mancozeb are authorised in the EU until 31/01/2020 and until 30/04/2020 for ziram. Thiram has just been banned in the EU, the grace period for its use is set at 30/01/2020. Maneb has been banned since 31/01/2017, and propineb since 22/06/18.

The BFF sets a threshold value for MRLs at 0.006mg/kg on the definition: Propineb/Propylene thiourea (sum of propineb and propylene thiourea).

Toxicity

An ARfD (Acute Reference Dose) is set for certain active ingredients :

Maneb: 0,2 mg/kg body weight.
Mancozeb: 0,6 mg/kg body weight.
Ziram: 0,08 mg/kg de body weight.
Thiram: 0,025 mg/kg body weight.
Propineb: 0,1 mg/kg body weight.

The ARfD is compared with the estimated matrix consumption value (EMDV) to assess the toxicological risk when MRLs are exceeded.

The Phytocontrol solution

Phytocontrol is today the only laboratory to be able to determine the endogenous (naturally from the matrix) or exogenous (from a phytosanitary treatment) nature of the presence of CS₂ thanks to an innovative R&D department that has found an answer to this problem.
The determination of dithiocarbamate content (expressed as CS₂) is also available in the laboratory, by gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS/HS). This analysis is under accreditation according to the type of matrix.

This innovative and accredited analysis, allows to search and quantify the three main families of dithiocarbamates by liquid chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (LC-MSMS).

Why choose Phytocontrol

Phytocontrol is a technological and human project that meets the societal challenges of water and food safety with proximity, expertise, reactivity and reliability. The Laboratory provides you with the most reliable, innovative and eco-responsible solutions to guarantee you the best European expertise. A step ahead in technology, Phytocontrol develops its own Information System via a latest-generation Datacenter and innovates with its own system for tracking the sample's progress. Anticipation is Phytocontrol's credo and it is its intention to stay ahead!