Sep 19, 2025

New methyl bromide alternative fumigation treatment approved

The International Treatment Solutions Group (INTRESO) has received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration for eFUME, a methyl bromide alternative fumigation treatment.

Suited to a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and cut flowers, the trademarked eFUME is a fast-acting, safe and effective solution for protecting post-harvest produce, packaged and stored foods, and processing equipment, according to a news release. 

The registration marks an important milestone for the U.S. agricultural sector in safeguarding its supply chains and biosecurity, according to the release. 

eFUME’s active ingredient, ethyl formate, is a naturally occurring substance. It is regarded as safe for human health by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), yet rapidly and effectively eliminates insect pests, typically within one to 24 hours, resulting in no withholding period and faster shipping, according to the release. 

Designed for broad applications, eFUME® is effective against fresh produce pests, mites, quarantine pests of concern and household insects. It is already registered and widely used in Australia and New Zealand, two leading global agricultural exporters. The list of regulatory approvals for eFUME® is expanding as demand for sustainable pest management solutions grows, according to the release. 

The crop protectant is a direct, cost-effective, drop-in replacement for methyl bromide, an ozone-depleting substance (ODS), banned by the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the ozone layer. Owing to its classification as an ODS, in 2005, the U.S and other countries committed to phase out the production and consumption of methyl bromide. 

This registration of a viable alternative represents an important positive step taken by the U.S authorities, giving food producers, fumigators and agricultural supply chain operators the opportunity to use a cost efficient, safe and highly effective product while reducing their impact on the environment. It will protect the integrity of U.S. eco-systems, ensuring U.S. farmers, food producers and importers can keep their produce pest-free throughout the supply chain, according to the release. 

The Belgium-based INTRESO Group develops and commercializes environmentally sustainable treatment solutions for the agricultural sector.