Dow AgroSciences introduces patented technology to identify genuine products

UK - February 27, 2007

In the fight against counterfeit products, Dow AgroSciences is employing patented technology to provide traceability of its products from manufacture to farm.  

Fluroxypyr, the active ingredient in such leading brands as Starane XL and Starane 2 is the first chemical to be identified using this technology.   

“The technology is introduced during the manufacturing process of the active ingredient,” explained Mike Carroll, Dow AgroSciences’ global regulatory expert for fluroxypyr. “This means that at any point in the logistics chain from manufacture to farm delivery we are now able to quickly check whether a product is genuine and manufactured by Dow AgroSciences. Rapid analysis kits, using a simple strip test, will indicate whether the product is of genuine Dow AgroSciences’ manufacture and whether or not it has been diluted.” 

Where the initial test gives cause for concern, more detailed laboratory analysis can be undertaken to verify the results.  

The patented technology enables instant and accurate identification of Dow AgroSciences products without affecting product performance.  

Dow AgroSciences is making the rapid analysis kits available to the Pesticides Safety Directorate, which is responsible for enforcement against counterfeit and unregistered products.  

Dow AgroSciences will extend the use of this patented technology to more of its product range during the year.