Common use of USE OF QUATERNARY AMMONIUM Clause in Contracts

USE OF QUATERNARY AMMONIUM. COMPOUNDS (QACS) AND NONYLPHENOL ETHOXYLATES (NPES) 6.6.1 New Requirements from 2016/2017 Onwards Members must cease using sanitisers containing Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QAC or QATs) from 1 July 2016. From 1 December 2016 suppliers must also ensure that the use of teat sprays or teat dips are free from the surfactant Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs). The removal of QACs and NPEs are necessary in order to meet the strict supply chain requirements of domestic and export customers. The Dairy industry has been working closely with chemical companies and farm equipment retailers to make them aware of these changes, and to ensure they have suitable alternative products available for the dairy industry to use on farm. It is anticipated that a greater range of products will be registered for use by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicine Authority. 6.6.2 Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) QACs are a group of chemicals widely used as biocides and disinfectants in the home, industry and in food manufacture. Products containing QACs are used to clean and sanitise the milking machine and/or vat on some dairy farms. Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC) is the specific type of QAC of most concern, and is present in a number of products registered for use on dairy farms. In some cases, residues have been found in dairy products. Routine testing for the presence QACs will be conducted by the processor in the first half of the 2016/2017 season – as such there should be no presence of QACs on farm from 1 July 2016. 6.6.3 Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) NPEs are surfactants used in many industrial chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides. However, from the Dairy industry’s perspective it is their use in most iodine-based teat sprays that is of greatest concern. NPEs are used in the spray formulations to solubilise iodine. Over the past few years concerns have emerged globally about the effects of NPE in the environment and, in particular, toxicity in aquatic environments. But more importantly, residue testing in Australia has identified that teat sprays containing NPEs can cause positive residue test results. Pre-milking teat spray and teat dip are of the most concern. As such there should be no presence of NPEs on farm from 1 July 2016. Testing for the presence of NPEs will commence from December 2016 onwards.