Pesticide labels contain detailed information on how to properly use the product, as they provide information on the potential hazards related to the product, and the directions that should be followed in the event of a poisoning or spill.

For this reason, it is of utmost importance to read and follow the directions on the label, allowing in this manner to reduce the risks and maximize the benefits.

In order to design a pesticide label, following the NOM-232-SSA1-2009 specifications is required. These specifications establish the requirements, indications and characteristics a label must comply with.

The label is divided into 3 equal parts: a central part and two side parts. For pesticides for farming, forestry, industrial, urban and livestock use, when the container displays two main sides, as it is the case of bags or envelopes, the label should be divided into two parts displaying in the frontal side the information specified for the central part of the label, and in the upper part of the back side, it must display information pertaining to the left side of the label; and in its lower part, the information indicated for the right side of the label, or when it is not possible to display the information this manner due to the design of the bag, the specified information for the left part of the label can be displayed on the back of the left side. The right side will contain the information specified on the back of the right part of the label.

If the container is a box, the label should be divided into four parts, displaying in the frontal side the information specified for the central part of the label, except for the name, address and telephone, which should appear in the right side of it. The back part of the label should display the information pertaining to the right side of it, and the left side of the label should display the information indicated for the left part of the label.

Label contents:

1. Left.
   1. Phrase “STOP, PLEASE READ THE LABEL BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT”.
   1. Precautions and warnings of use.
   1. Precautions while handling this product.
   1. Phrase “IN THE EVENT OF POISONING, BRING THE LABEL WITH YOU WHEN YOU TAKE THE PATIENT TO SEE A DOCTOR”.
   1. First aid.
   1. Medical recommendations.
   1. Environmental protection measures.
   1. Pictograms on storage or use.

• Central.
  • Legend: “FOR FARMING USE”.
  • Company logo.
  • Trade name.
  • Active ingredient.
  • Product type (insecticide, herbicide, rodenticide, nematicide or other) and formulation (liquid, powder, granulated, etc.).
  • Formulation.
  • Percent composition.
  • Coordinated Health Authorization No. (RSCO).
  • Product content.
  • Hazard phrase and signal words.
  • Lot, manufacture date and expiration date.
  • Name, address and telephone of the owner.
  • The legend: “MADE IN….”.
  • Toxicological belt.

• Right.
  • Legend: “FOR EXCLUSIVE USE ON THE CROPS AND PESTS RECOMMENDED IN THIS DOCUMENT”.
  • Legend: “DIRECTIONS FOR USE”.
  • Legend: “ALWAYS CALIBRATE YOUR APPLICATION EQUIPMENT”.
  • Authorized pests and crops.
  • Dosing and recommendations.
  • Safety intervals.
  • Re-entry period.
  • Methods for preparation and application of the product.
  • Contraindications.
  • Plant toxicity.
  • Incompatibility with other products.
  • Resistance management.
  • Pictograms on protection measures.

This is an example of a label considering an information distribution of 3 columns.

Components of the Coordinated Health Authorization (RSCO).

The RSCO number is a health authorization issued by the Federal Commission for the Protection Against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SAGARPA), which ensures efficiency, security and food safety of the product registered, and it is a requirement needed for sale and use in Mexico.

It consists of keys made up of letters and numbers providing some of the characteristics of pesticides. Its composition is shown as follows:

RSCO- INAC – 0143 – 008 – 009 – 089

INAC– Pesticide type

0143– Active ingredient key (a.i.)

008.- Consecutive number to a.i. record

009.- Presentation key

089.- Weight percent / a.i. concentration

Benefits of having the COFEPRIS registration:

• Content safety of the active ingredient.
• Approved biological effectiveness.
• It does not cause adverse effects to the environment.

Toxicological Belt

Pictograms/safety icons which may be printed in a label

Before purchasing and applying a product, you must make sure that it has a current Coordinated Health Authorization Record (RSCO) by clicking on this link:

http://siipris03.cofepris.gob.mx/Resoluciones/Consultas/ConWebRegPlaguicida.asp

On the other hand, you must acquire products marketed by SENASICA-certified companies,. SENASICA’s plant protection directory can be found by clicking on this link:

Recommendations:

• Only use products for farming use which are registered and authorized by COFEPRIS for specific crops and/or pests, duly labeled and with complete manufacturer information.
• For exports, before applying any input, the recommendation is to verify the applicable regulation in the destination country with regards to the molecules allowed and the relevant Maximum Residue Limits, in order to avoid shipping rejections or stoppages of the product treated with pesticides.
• For purchasing pesticides for farming use, having the technical advisory is necessary in order to identify the pest to attack, and then we are able to select the proper product for control and application. Also, you must make sure that the pesticide is in its original container, with the safety seal on and no leaks. Also, checking the expiration date and verifying the RSCO authorization is important.
• Always read the label carefully before purchasing and using the product. You must also make sure that the product is specific for the use intended in your crop.
• Only use the amount recommended in the label. If you apply a larger amount of product, it could harm human/animal health and/or the environment, and you could also waste more money. In the event of applying a smaller amount of product, it may be ineffective and/or the pest or disease may become resistant to the product.
• Only buy what you need, in order to avoid storing large amounts of product, reducing in this manner any unnecessary risk. If you need to store product, follow the label directions for proper storage; also conduct periodical reviews to the expiration date of the products, in order to avoid storing expired products.