EU Bans Straw Pond Cleaner

Barley straw, a centuries old remedy for clearing murky pond water, is to be effectively banned under a European Union directive - because no one knows how it works!

Producers say that the only way to escape the ban on barley "patches", sold in most garden centres, is to explain why they work and demonstrate that no harm is caused. However, the expense of doing so would force them out of business.

The EU law on biocidal products, about to come into force, is part of the regulation of pesticides. However, it does not distinguish between manufactured and natural products.

The Health and Safety Executive said it was taking up the issue with the EU.
The Daily Telegraph, 28th September 2003