Woolworths is expected to cease the sale of a deadly line of pest control products from today, after the nation’s pesticides regulator declared they pose an “unacceptable risk”.
The move will see brands of rodenticide like Ratsak Fast Action, Talon Rat and Mouse Killer, and Difend Rodenticide blocks removed from shelves.
It follows a March recommendation by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) that the five second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGAR) chemicals be declared Restricted Chemical Products (RCPs).
Rat bait chemicals linked to owl deaths
A decade of research, spearheaded by Edith Cowan University, found SGARs were unintentionally killing native birds and mammals that eat rats and mice.
Tawny frogmouths, owls and eagles were being frequently rescued with internal bleeding or neurological decline.
Pets were also presenting at vets with poisoning symptoms.
Tawny frogmouths were one species that commonly presented with signs of SGAR poisoning.
(James D. Morgan/Getty)
Coles responded to the APVMA announcement by immediately withdrawing them from sale, and Bunnings destocked its shelves at the end of June.
Metcash, the supplier to IGA and Mitre 10, has not responded to previous requests for comment about whether it plans to do the same.
Woolworths ceases sale ahead of APVMA schedule
Woolworth’s decision to remove the products was first revealed to Yahoo News in May.
“Following a review of our product range, Woolworths will cease sale of Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticide (SGAR) products from the end of July 2026,” it said.
“This is ahead of the March 2027 commencement date set by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.”
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This week, Woolworths came under fire from ecologists for heavily discounting its remaining SGAR stock.
Many brands were being sold at half price, while Ratsak Fast Action was slashed from $9 to $3.50.
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