SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported) April 19, 2001
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware 1-815 51-0014090
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission (I.R.S Employer
of Incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)
1007 Market Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19898
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (302) 774-1000
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Item 5. Other Events
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The Registrant files, pursuant to Regulation FD, its news release
dated April 19, 2001, entitled "DuPont Statement: DuPont To Phase Out Sale
Of 'Benlate'" a copy of which is below. This news release is also filed in
connection with Debt and/or Equity Securities that may be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis under Registration Statements on Form S-3
(No. 33-53327, No. 33-61339, No. 33-60069 and No. 333-86363).
Contacts: Mike Ricciuto
302-892-7996
mike.a.ricciuto-2@usa.dupont.com
Clif Webb
302-774-4005
r-clifton.webb@usa.dupont.com
DuPont Statement: DuPont To Phase Out Sale Of "Benlate"
WILMINGTON, Del., April 19, 2001 -- Today DuPont informed its
customers around the world that it will discontinue the manufacture of its
fungicide benomyl and will phase out sales of "Benlate" in all its forms from
the global market. No sales will occur after December 31, 2001, and we
expect all product will clear the channels of trade by the end of 2002.
DuPont advised customers that this is not a product recall, but a
voluntary business decision based on a review of global market conditions and
other factors. The decision is part of the recently announced restructuring
to improve the overall competitiveness of its agricultural businesses.
A significant element of the reason to withdraw is that the company
is no longer willing to bear the high and continuing costs of defending the
product in the U.S. legal system where factors other than good science can
influence outcomes. In addition, there are significant ongoing costs and
resources necessary to meet increased regulatory requirements around the
world and keep the product active. The company believes those resources are
better applied to other areas of the business.
DuPont remains fully confident that "Benlate" is safe when used as
directed. The 30-year-old fungicide has been an excellent crop protection
option for growers worldwide.
For attribution to James C. Borel, vice president & general manager - DuPont
Crop Protection Products.
# # #
4/19/01
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
(Registrant)
/s/ D. B. Smith
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D. B. Smith
Assistant Controller
April 19, 2001
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