Minnesota seed law has specific labeling requirements for seed that is treated.
- Clear indication of treatment: The label must include a word or statement indicating the seed has been treated (e.g., "TREATED SEED").
- Identification of treatment substance: The label must list the commonly accepted, coined, chemical, or abbreviated generic chemical name of the substance applied to the seed.
- Warning Statement: If the treatment is harmful to humans or vertebrate animals, the label must include the statement: "Do not use for food, feed, or oil purposes."
- Poison Label (if applicable): For seeds treated with highly toxic substances (like mercurials), the label must display a poison symbol and statement.
- Non-pesticide treatment description: If the seed was treated by a process that’s not pesticide-based (e.g., inoculation or dye), a brief description of the process must be included.
- Inoculant expiration date: For seeds treated with inoculants, the label must include “Inoculant: expires (month and year)”, or similar wording stating the expiration date.
- Using, storing, handling, distributing, and disposing of treated seed in a manner that endangers humans, wildlife, and/or causes unreasonable adverse effects on the environment is prohibited.
- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) regulates the disposal of waste treated seed. Please see MPCA fact sheet #w-hw4-51.
- Minnesota seed law requires this fact sheet be posted in a conspicuous location at any Minnesota location where treated seed is sold.
