Statement from David Cameron, MSG chairman

Following the recent High Court ruling, the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group (MSG) welcomes the opportunity for Defra to review the outdoor use of metaldehyde slug pellets.

The previous expiry dates have been reinstated for all products, and official notification has been received from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirming that the sale and distribution of existing stocks is to expire on 31 December 2020, and disposal, storage and use of existing stocks is to expire on 31 December 2021.

HSE has advised that a decision will be taken on the applications for re-registration of metaldehyde products as soon as possible. In the meantime, metaldehyde products can be purchased and used in accordance with their labels and should follow the Get Pelletwise best practice guidelines, which can be found here: https://www.getpelletwise.co.uk/