Fumigation Link

The phase out of methyl bromide in accordance with the Market Protocol and as revised by the EU has necessitated a review of the fumigation practice. This is particularly necessary as the traditional alternative for methyl bromide; phospine, has also attracted adverse comments. The Federation was an originator of a project to look for alternatives to chemical fumigations.

In conjunction with the Central Science Laboratory, Silsoe Research Institute, The Biscuit Cake Chocolate & Confectionery Alliance, Community Foods Limited, Sundora Foods Ltd., Whitworths Ltd., The Seasoning & Spice Association, The Rice Association, The Coffee Trade Federation, Igrox Ltd. and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food., a project to find a non-chemical alternative to methyl bromide for pest control in commodities has been in place since the 4th January 2000 and its objectives are outlined below:

• To find a suitable alternative to methyl bromide as a means of dealing with infestation and hygiene problems for commodities;
• To improve understanding of the processes involved in the effective use of modified atmospheres and develop an automated system for forecasting distributions of carbon dioxide, oxygen, temperature and humidity in a treatment enclosure;
• To assess the efficiency of modified atmospheres at raised temperature in controlling pests without harming any of the original commodity qualities;
• Based on practical and modelling studies, to develop operational and design criteria for the treatment enclosure to be recommended for each commodity;
• To define and quantify the benefits and restrictions of the proposed treatments in terms of capital and running costs, the timescale for commercial development and implementation of the proposed techniques;
• To disseminate information about the project and its results as appropriate. Tests are currently in progress to check its efficacy and ensure that the condition of the cocoa beans is not altered by this action.

The final report of the UK Link project - alternative to methyl bromide for commodities is now available.