We previously reported that a ban on outdoor use of metaldehyde slug pellets was to come into force next year, however, it has been announced that this has been overturned following a High Court challenge by a manufacturer.
The ban followed advice from the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides and the Health and Safety Executive, which said metaldehyde poses an unacceptable risk to birds and mammals.
A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) spokesperson said: “The government has decided to withdraw and review the decision made in December 2018 to restrict the sale and use of metaldehyde products, following concerns raised about the decision-making process. We will retake the decision as swiftly as possible, taking account of the procedural points raised. Our priority is to protect people and the environment, and all decisions on pesticides are always based on the best available science.”
