Patna: The Bihar government has imposed an immediate ban on the sale and use of Ratol Paste, describing the move as a necessary step to safeguard public health. The state’s agriculture department has directed all retailers and e-commerce platforms to stop selling the product with immediate effect, warning of strict legal action against violators.
Officials said the decision was taken after concerns over the product’s composition and its potential threat to life. Ratol Paste, a commonly used rodenticide, contains 3% yellow phosphorus — a highly toxic substance for which no reliable antidote exists. Experts have warned that even minimal exposure, whether through ingestion or contact, can have fatal consequences.
The government has also clarified that the product does not fall within the list of pesticides approved under the Insecticides Act, 1968, making its manufacture, storage and sale unlawful. Authorities said any continued trade of the product would be treated as a direct violation of existing regulations.
Concerns over the substance are further reinforced by safety standards issued under IS 14983:2022 by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which categorises phosphorus as extremely hazardous and mandates stringent precautions in its handling and use.
As part of the crackdown, major e-commerce platforms including Amazon, Meesho and Jiomart, along with local shopkeepers, have been instructed to immediately withdraw the product from sale. The department has issued a warning that enforcement agencies will take strict action against anyone found violating the ban at any level of distribution.
In addition, the agriculture department has urged the public not to use Ratol Paste, highlighting the serious health risks associated with it. Citizens have also been encouraged to report any instances of continued sale to district-level authorities to enable swift action.
The ban reflects growing concern among authorities over the availability of hazardous substances outside regulatory oversight, and signals a tougher stance on products deemed a risk to public safety.
