Pesticide product Guardian ordered removed from sale, growers asked to stop its usage, Feb. 10

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has ordered stoppage of sale and the removal of the pesticide product Guardian, which is labeled for use on ornamental, food, and feed crops for mite control but also used by cannabis growers. In addition, ODA is asking growers who may have purchased the pesticide product to refrain from using it. ODA’s actions come following an investigation of the product that found the presence of the pesticide active ingredient abamectin, which is not listed on the product label. A statewide Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Order (SSURO) has been issued by ODA to the manufacturer of Guardian, All In Enterprises, Inc. of Machesney Park, Illinois. The order calls for the company to immediately cease all sales, offers of sale, or other distribution of the product in Oregon. The product label identifies the active ingredients as cinnamon oil and citric acid, and claims the product is 100 percent natural. ODA’s investigation was a result of concerns of product adulteration brought to the agency by a private laboratory as well as representatives of the cannabis industry. ODA’s Pesticides Program obtained and sampled Guardian from several retail locations in Oregon. Laboratory analysis found the presence of abamectin. ODA is currently working with the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Liquor Control Commission to determine potential human health concerns associated with the use of cannabis products treated with Guardian. Growers are advised, in an abundance of caution, not to use Guardian until a review and assessment of human health concerns are completed. Retailers and the general public in possession of the product are advised not to sell, offer for sale, or distribute Guardian. ODA is working with the manufacturer to determine the appropriate disposition of product that is currently in commerce or with growers. ODA will be proceeding to address violations of Oregon’s Pesticide Law, which include adulteration of a pesticide product, misbranding of a pesticide product, and making false or misleading claims about a pesticide product. Meanwhile, ODA continues to maintain a list of pesticide products to help guide marijuana growers and pesticide applicators throughout the state. The guide list is available on ODA’s cannabis and pesticides webpage at <http://go.usa.gov/cURJH>.