[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 134 (Wednesday, July 14, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40736-40741]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-17163]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0561;FRL-8833-8]
Acetic Acid; Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This regulation amends the existing tolerance exemption for
acetic acid by establishing an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of acetic acid, also known as vinegar in or on
all food crops resulting from unintentional spray and drift to non-
target vegetation including non-food, food and feed crops when used as
a non-selective contact herbicide spray. SummerSet Products c/o SciReg,
Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum
permissible level for residues of acetic acid, also known as vinegar.
DATES: This regulation is effective July 14, 2010. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before September 13, 2010,
and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40
CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0561. All documents in the
docket are listed in the docket index available at http://www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business Information (CBI)
or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain
other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the
Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form.
Publicly available docket materials are available in the electronic
docket at http://www.regulations.gov, or, if only available in hard
copy, at the OPP Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S-4400, One Potomac
Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. The Docket
Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding legal holidays. The Docket Facility telephone number is (703)
305-5805.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Greene, Biopesticides and
Pollution Prevention Division (7511P), Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (703) 308-0352; e-mail address: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this Action Apply to Me?
You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer.
Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
Crop production (NAICS code 111).
Animal production (NAICS code 112).
Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).
This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS)
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular
entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
B. How Can I Get Electronic Access to Other Related Information?
You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR
part 180 through the Government Printing Office's e-CFR site at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr.
C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing Request?
Under section 408(g) of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(g), any person may
file an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request
a hearing on those objections. The EPA procedural regulations which
govern the submission of objections and requests for hearings appear in
40 CFR part 178. You must file your objection or request a hearing on
this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR
part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify docket ID
number EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0561 in the subject line on the first page of
your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must be in
writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before
September 13, 2010. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections
and hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of
the filing that does not contain any CBI for inclusion in the public
docket that is described in ADDRESSES. Information not marked
confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA
without prior notice. Submit your copies, identified by docket ID
number EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0561, by one of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Regulatory Public
Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
Delivery: OPP Regulatory Public Docket (7502P),
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South
Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. Deliveries are only
accepted during the Docket Facility's normal hours of operation (8:30
a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays).
Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed
information. The Docket Facility telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
II. Background and Statutory Findings
In the Federal Register of November 19, 2008, (FR 69635) (FRL-
8389-6), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 21
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide tolerance
petition (PP 8F7319) by SummerSet Products c/o SciReg, Inc., 130
Columbia Court, Chaska, MN 55318. The petition requested that 40 CFR
part 180 be amended by establishing an exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance for residues of acetic acid. This notice referenced a
summary of the petition prepared by the petitioner SummerSet Products,
which is available in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. One
anonymous comment was received on the notice of filing. However, EPA
was unable to address the comment because it was not specific to this
action, focusing instead on the registration of pesticides generally,
and therefore was not a significant comment.
[[Page 40737]]
Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that
the exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines
``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm
will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue,
including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for
which there is reliable information.'' This includes exposure through
drinking water and in residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Pursuant to section 408(c)(2)(B) of FFDCA, in
establishing or maintaining in effect an exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance, EPA must take into account the factors set forth in
section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA, which require EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . .
.'' Additionally, section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA requires that the
Agency consider ``available information concerning the cumulative
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and other substances that
have a common mechanism of toxicity's.
EPA performs a number of analyses to determine the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide residues. First, EPA determines the
toxicity of pesticides. Second, EPA examines exposure to the pesticide
through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as
a result of pesticide use in residential settings.
III. Toxicological Profile
Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, EPA has reviewed the
available scientific data and other relevant information in support of
this action and considered its validity, completeness, and reliability
and the relationship of this information to human risk. EPA has also
considered available information concerning the variability of the
sensitivities of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including
infants and children.
Acetic acid is a substance found or produced naturally in most
plants and animals, including primates and humans. It is also naturally
produced during the fermentation process in a wide range of foods. In
plants and animals, it is generally produced biologically by bacteria
from the genus Acetobacter. Acetic acid has a fundamental role in
cellular metabolism, particularly in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, also
known as the citric acid (Ref. 1.) or krebs cycle (Ref. 2.), which is
the chemical activity in all cells that utilize oxygen as part of their
respiration process. The krebs cycle is carried out in the mitochondria
of the cells of plants and animals including humans. Acetic acid plays
a key role in the production of carbon dioxide and is a chemical rich
in adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Acetic acid occurs naturally in many
commonly consumed food items such as coffee, chick peas, edible plants,
brown sugar, fruits, and vegetables where it forms during post-harvest
fermentation. As an organic chemical, acetic acid is readily
metabolized by the tissues of the body and is used in plants and
animals to synthesize proteins, carbohydrates and fatty acids. In
animals, including humans, acetic acid is produced naturally as
consumed sugars and alcohol containing foods or liquids such as
alcoholic beverage undergo fermentation.
Acetic acid has been used as a food additive in most cultures
throughout recorded history. Historical reports suggest that the first
dietary consumption of acetic acid was in wine, beer and similar brewed
beverages and fermented food items such as sauerkraut. Acetic acid also
has a long history of use as a food additive. Acetic acid is a
component of white distilled vinegar at 4%. In the form of vinegar, it
is historically consumed in a wide range of commonly used condiments
such as food seasonings, pickled food items, dried, preserved, canned
and processed fruits and vegetables. It is also added to or found
naturally in many dairy based foods including yogurt, chocolate milk
and eggnog. It is included as an additive in many contemporary common
foods including breakfast cereals, processed meats, prepared table top
sweeteners, sports and energy drinks (CODEX GSFA, 2009) (Ref. 3.) and
is used in pharmaceutical products such as antibiotics, antibacterials
and antimicrobials. Acetic acid is also the main acid in vinegars, and
it is the acid in vinegar that gives vinegar its characteristic odor.
In commonly consumed vinegars such as white (distilled), cider,
balsamic, malt, red wine, white wine, rice and sherry the percentage of
acetic acid generally ranges between 3% and 8%. The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) classifies acetic acid as ``Generally Recognized
as Safe (GRAS)'' under 21 CFR 184.1005 as a direct food substance and
under 21 CFR 582.1005 as a general purpose food additive.
As a pesticide, acetic acid is registered for use as a non-
selective contact herbicide for combating a wide range of weeds and
some grasses. Upon contact with targeted weed and weed grasses, acetic
acid destroys or damages the cell membrane of the plants which causes
rapid dehydration of the plant tissues. This process is called
``burnout'' or ``burndown'' and can result in the death of the targeted
plant or injury sufficient to slow the growth and reproduction of the
targeted plant.
In a final rule dated August 3, 2005, (70 FR 44483) (FRL-7717-2),
EPA established an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for
residues of acetic acid when used as an active ingredient as a
preservative on post-harvest agricultural commodities intended for
animal feed, including alfalfa, barley grain, bermuda grass; bluegrass,
brome grass, clover, corn grain, cowpea hay, fescue, lespedeza,
lupines, oat grain, orchard grass, peanut grass, Timothy, vetch, and
wheat grain, or commodities described as grain or hay. Acetic acid is
also approved for use on growing crops or raw agricultural commodities
after harvest as an inert ingredient in pesticide products under 40 CFR
180.1258.
In support of the request to amend the existing exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance, the Agency has reviewed all information
submitted in support of this action. This petition is supported by
information from open scientific literature and cited studies which are
discussed in detail in this unit. When used as an indirect spray to
control weeds and weed grasses according to the required label
instructions, significant dietary residues of acetic acid are unlikely
because direct exposure to food plants would be accidental or due to
spray drift. Additionally, acetic acid rapidly biodegrades in the
environment; it is non-toxic at pesticidal use concentrations; it is
readily metabolized in the body; it is ubiquitous in food and the
environment. Moreover, pesticidal uses of acetic acid are not expected
to contribute significantly to the overall exposure of the general
population, and information from the open literature indicates that
acetic acid has little or no toxicity from an acute oral perspective
(toxicity category III; median lethal dose (LD50 3,310
milligrams/kilogram (mg/kg). (Ref. 4.)
A. Acute Toxicity
Acute toxicity information submitted to support the exemption from
the requirement of a tolerance for acetic
[[Page 40738]]
acid confirms a low toxicity profile and reflects the Agency's findings
that acetic acid poses no significant human health risk with regard to
food commodities. As a biochemical pesticide, products containing
acetic acid would be used to control herbaceous broadleaf weeds and
weed grasses that may damage or otherwise compromise the production of
food crops. Products containing acetic acid are not intended for direct
use on food crops. Moreover, any food crops exposed to acetic acid when
used as a biochemical pesticide would be destroyed or significantly
damaged. Such exposure would most likely be accidental or from spray
drift and would render the plant unsuitable or less suitable for
marketing. The low toxicological profile of acetic acid when used as an
herbicide provides additional justification for this exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance. Further, published literature (discussed in
this unit) concerning low toxicity and the extensive history of acetic
acid used in foods supports this exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance.
The primary routes of exposure to the general population have been
determined to be through consumption of food and inhalation of air in
workplaces. (Ref. 5.)
1. Acute oral toxicity. The acute oral median LD50 for
acetic acid in rats was greater than 3,310 mg/kg in rats and 4,960 mg/
kg in mice, which confirmed negligible toxicity through oral exposure.
(Ref. 6.) The lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) was
determined to be 390 mg/kg and the no observed adverse effect level
(NOAEL) was determined to be 195 mg/kg (Ref. 7.) Acedic acid is a
toxicity category III for acute oral toxicity.
2. Acute dermal toxicity.The acute dermal LD50 for
acetic acid in rats was 1,060 mg/kg, (MRID 47330503) which confirmed
moderate dermal toxicity, (MRID 47330503) the requirement of sub-acute
toxicity data was waived because the use pattern and personal
protection equipment (PPE) requirements of products containing acetic
acid mitigate any risk from dermal exposure. Specifically, acetic acid
as a biopesticide is only intended for use in spray products formulated
for use as contact herbicides on broadleaf weeds and grasses; the
Agency requires appropriate signal word (DANGER) and corresponding
precautionary language on all labels containing acetic acid as a
biochemical pesticide; and the Agency requires all applicators and
handlers of such products to wear PPE that includes protective eyewear,
long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and shoes. Given these
considerations, the Agency believes that repeated dermal and inhalation
exposure is not expected to occur. Acetic acid is a toxicity category
II for acute dermal toxicity.
3. Acute inhalation toxicity. The acute inhalation median
LC50 was greater than 11.4 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in
rats and showed little to no inhalation toxicity or irritation (MRID
47330503). Acetic acid is toxicity category IV for acute inhalation
toxicity.
4. Primary eye irritation. A primary eye study showed significant
potential for eye irritation. Eye corneal damage can occur from
exposure to acetic acid and clarity of vision is not reversed within
seven days (MRID 47330503). As such, the Agency has determined that
acetic acid is Toxicity Category I for acute eye irritation. (PPE
requirements of products containing acetic acid will mitigate any risk
associated with the products).
5. Acute dermal/skin sensitization. An acute dermal irritation/skin
sensitization study showed that acetic acid is corrosive at very high
(60%) concentrations (MRIDs 47330503) and (47330504). However, due to
the use pattern and PPE requirements of biopesticidal products
containing acetic acid (see Unit III.A.2., in this unit, regarding the
use pattern and PPE requirements), and a required default restricted-
entry interval (REI) of 48 hours following application of products
containing acetic acid, exposure risks associated with products
containing acetic acid will be mitigated. Acetic acid is a Toxicity
category I for acute dermal irritation/skin sensitization.
B. Subchronic Toxicity
Based on its acute toxicity profile, use pattern and biodegradation
properties, residues of acetic acid are not expected to result in
significant dietary exposure beyond the levels expected in background
dietary exposures. Nonetheless, a subchronic oral, dermal and
inhalation toxicity study satisfied the data requirements for
subchronic toxicity and indicated that acetic acid has no subchronic
toxicological effect.
1. 90-day oral toxicity. A 90-day oral toxicity study (Ref. 8.)
found no toxicological effects regarding mortality, clinical
observations, neurotoxicity assessment, hematology, clinical chemistry,
organ weights, and macroscopic or microscopic observations. Weight loss
was observed in test subjects administered up to 390 mg/kg body weight
(bw/day) acetic acid in drinking water for 2-4 months. The reduction in
weight gain is likely attributed to reduced appetite and food
consumption observed in the study. No other effects were reported. The
LOAEL was determined to be 390 mg/kg bw/day, and the NOAEL was
determined to be 195 mg/kg bw/day.
2. 90-day dermal toxicity. Requirement of a 90-day dermal toxicity
study has been waived. Considering the use pattern and PPE requirements
of pesticide products containing acetic acid (see Unit III.A.2., in
this unit, regarding the use pattern and PPE requirements), repeated
dermal and inhalation exposure is not expected to occur. Additionally,
the Agency does not expect significant dermal exposure since uses of
acetic acid as a contact biopesticide will not involve purposeful
application to the skin, nor will it result in prolonged dermal
exposure to the product when label directions are followed. Moreover,
acute toxicity testing of the two proposed end-use products in which
acetic acid will be used as an herbicide have indicated that the
products are non-irritating to slightly-irritating to the skin.
Applicators are required to wear protective eye-wear, long-sleeved
shirts, long pants, socks and shoes. Additionally, a REI of 48 hours
has been added to these labels.
3. 90-day inhalation toxicity. Requirements for a 90-day inhalation
toxicity study have also been waived. Herbicide products containing
acetic acid are liquids and it is therefore, unlikely that significant
levels of repeated inhalation will occur from the use of these
products. Based on the results of toxicity testing cited above,
proposed herbicide products containing acetic acid are placed into
Toxicity Category IV for acute inhalation toxicity and to further
mitigate exposure, a REI of 48 hours has been added to these labels.
C. Developmental Toxicity
Developmental toxicity data submitted to the Agency demonstrate a
clear lack of developmental toxicity for acetic acid and supports the
Agency's conclusion that there is no risk of developmental toxicity
associated with new food uses for acetic acid.
A prenatal developmental toxicity study (MRID 47330503) found no
significant treatment-related reproductive effects. The study showed
abnormalities of soft or skeletal tissue of the test group, but the
abnormalities did not differ from those found in the control group. The
study established a LOAEL of 1,600 mg/kg bw/day. The NOAEL is equal to
1,600 mg/kg bw/day. A second prenatal developmental toxicity study
(MRID 47330503) also, found no significant treatment related to
reproductive effects or fetal abnormalities. Based on this
[[Page 40739]]
information, the Agency believes that there is no risk of developmental
toxicity associated with new food uses for acetic acid.
D. Mutagenicity
A mutagenicity study using acetic acid as the test substance was
conducted. The reverse mutation assays performed (MRID 47330503) were
negative for mutagenicity to bacteria exposed to concentrations of
acetic acid from 0 micrograms per plate to 10,000 micrograms per plate
with and without metabolic activation. In the in-vitro Chinese hamster
tests (MRID 47330503), results were also negative for mutagenicity.
Results showed that acetic acid is not mutagenic at levels less than or
equal to 16 micromoles. The Agency has determined that these data are
sufficient to confirm that there are no expected dietary or non-
occupational risks of mutagenicity with regard to new food uses of
acetic acid.
E. Endocrine Effects
There is no available evidence demonstrating that acetic acid is an
endocrine disruptor in humans. As a result, the Agency is not requiring
information on the endocrine effects of acetic acid at this time.
However, the Endocrine Disruption Screening Program (EDSP) has
established a protocol, which guides the Agency in selecting suspect
ingredients for review, and the Agency reserves the right to require
new information should the program require it. Presently, based on the
lack of exposure and the negligible toxicity profile of acetic acid, no
adverse effects to the endocrine system are known or expected. Overall,
the lack of evidence of endocrine disruption is consistent with the low
toxicity profile of acetic acid and supports this exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance.
IV. Aggregate Exposures
In examining aggregate exposure, section 408 of FFDCA directs EPA
to consider available information concerning exposures from the
pesticide residue in food and all other non-occupational exposures,
including drinking water from ground water or surface water and
exposure through pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or buildings
(residential and other indoor uses). The Agency has determined that
there is reasonable certainty that no harm to the U.S. population will
result from aggregate exposure to residues of acetic acid. This
includes all exposures for which there is reliable information. The
Agency arrived at this conclusion based on the low level of toxicity of
the chemical, low anticipated dietary and non-dietary exposures, worker
protection requirements on the label (PPE and REI requirements) and the
already widespread exposure without any reported adverse effects on
human health. The risks from aggregate exposure via oral, dermal and
inhalation exposure are negligible.
A. Dietary Exposure
The use of acetic acid as a pesticide is not intended as a direct
spray to food commodities and will not be directly applied to food
commodities intended for human consumption. Therefore, the Agency
anticipates negligible to no residues present at the time of
consumption.
1. Food. The Agency expects that food commodities will only be
exposed to acetic acid by accidental application or spray drift. The
Agency believes that any unintentional application or drift of products
containing acetic acid would kill or substantially damage food crops,
making them undesirable for human consumption. However, even in the
event of indirect spray to food crops, the Agency is not concerned with
potential residues due to low toxicity of acetic acid and the fact that
acetic acid is a weak acid that rapidly degrades into a base composed
of an acetate ion and hydrogen. Finally, the Agency believes that
because acetic acid biodegrades rapidly under both anaerobic and
aerobic conditions in the environment, residues of toxicological
concern are not expected.
2. Drinking water exposure. Pesticide products containing acetic
acid are not applied directly to water; applications are made directly
to terrestrial non food crops, and as such, drinking water exposure of
humans to acetic acid from pesticidal use is unlikely. Moreover, the
Agency believes that any potential exposure to surface water would be
negligible because of the low application rates and rapid
biodegradation of acetic acid. Therefore, drinking water exposure is
not expected to pose any quantifiable risk due to a lack of residues of
toxicological concern.
B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure--Non-Dietary Exposure-Dermal and
Inhalation Exposure
The potential for non-dietary exposure of the general population,
including infants and children, is limited based on the use patterns of
acetic acid (see Unit III.A.2., in this unit, regarding the use pattern
and PPE requirements) and REI requirements (48 hours) on product
labels, and the lack of anticipated residues of toxicological concern.
Non-dietary exposures would not be expected to pose any quantifiable
risk to the general population.
1. Dermal exposure. Non-occupational dermal exposures to acetic
acid when used as an indirect non-selective herbicide are expected to
be negligible based on the use patterns of acetic acid (see Unit
III.A.2., in this unit, regarding the use patterns).
2. Inhalation exposure. Non occupational exposures to acetic acid
when used as a selective herbicide are expected to be negligible
because acetic acid products are limited to targeted weeds and grasses
in proximity to food crops.
V. Cumulative Effects from Substances with a Common Mechanism of
Toxicity
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when considering
whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the Agency
consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative effects of
a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances that have a
common mechanism of toxicity.''
EPA has not found acetic acid to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and acetic acid does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that
acetic acid does not have a common mechanism of toxicity with other
substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to determine which
chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the
cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
VI. Determination of Safety for U.S. Population, Infants and Children
The Agency has considered acetic acid in light of the relevant
safety factors in FQPA and FIFRA. A determination has been made that no
unreasonable adverse effects to the U.S. population in general, and to
infants and children in particular, will result from the use of acetic
acid when label instructions are followed.
A. U.S. Population
A determination has been made that no unreasonable adverse effects
to the U.S. population in general will result from the use of acetic
acid when used as an indirect spray to control weeds and weed grasses
when label instructions are followed. This conclusion is based on the
unlikelihood of significant dietary residues of acetic acid because
direct exposure to food
[[Page 40740]]
plants would be accidental or due to spray drift. Additionally, acetic
acid rapidly biodegrades in the environment; it is non-toxic at
pesticidal use concentrations; it is readily metabolized in the body;
and, it is ubiquitous in food and the environment. Moreover, pesticidal
uses of acetic acid are not expected to contribute significantly to the
overall exposure of the general population, and information from the
open literature indicates that acetic acid has little or no toxicity
from an acute oral perspective (toxicity category III; median
LD50 3,310 mg/kg).
The Agency is reasonably certain that there will be no harm to
residential and/or commercial workers and applicators using herbicide
products containing acetic acid based on the low application rates of
end-use products, the low toxicity of acetic acid, and the rapid
biodegradation of acetic acid in the environment. Precautionary
labeling language, personal protective equipment and a 48 hour rentry
interval for contact herbicides containing acetic acid adds an
additional level of assurance of no harm to residential and commercial
workers using such pesticide products.
B. Infants and Children
In examining exposures to sensitive subpopulations, FFDCA section
408 directs EPA to apply an additional tenfold margin of exposure (MOE)
(safety) for infants and children in the case of threshold effects to
account for pre- and post-natal toxicity and the completeness of the
database, unless EPA determines that a different MOE will be protective
for infants and children. MOE are often referred to as uncertainty or
safety factors. For the proposed pesticidal uses, based on all the
available information, the Agency concludes that acetic acid is
practically non-toxic (with the exception of severe eye irritation) to
mammals, including infants and children. Acetic acid is found in many
foods already consumed by infants and children, and there is no
information available indicating an appreciable difference in risk
between adults and infants and children from exposure to acetic acid
when used as a contact herbicide. As a result, EPA has not used a MOE
approach to assess the safety of acetic acid. When used as proposed,
EPA expects that the contact herbicides containing acetic acid as an
active ingredient would not result in residue levels that are of
toxicological concern. Thus, there are no threshold effects of concern.
As such, an additional margin of safety is not necessary.
VII. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since
the Agency is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance without any numerical limitation.
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S.
tolerances with internal standards whenever possible, consistent with
U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA considers
the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the
Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codes), as required by FFDCA section
408(b)(4). The Codex is a joint U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization/
World Health Organization food standards program, and it is recognized
as an international food safety standards-setting organization in trade
agreements to which the United States is a party. EPA may establish a
tolerance that is different from a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section
408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain the reasons for departing from the
Codex Level. The Codex has not established a MRL for acetic acid.
VIII. Conclusions
The Agency concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no
harm will result to the U.S. population, including infants and
children, from aggregate exposure to residues of acetic acid when used
as an herbicide to control broadleaf weeds and grasses. Therefore, an
exemption is established for residues of the biochemical acetic acid
when used as a non selective, indirect contact herbicide spray for
broadleaf weeds and weed grasses on all food crops.
IX. References
1. MRIDs 47350604 through 47350609).
2. MRIDs 47330501, 47330505, 47330510-47330512 and 47775901).
3. ``Acetic Acid''. Codex General Standards for Food Additives
Online Database. 2010. GSFA Online. January 13, 2010 http://www.codexalimentarius.net/gsfaonline/additives/details.html?id=170.
4. MRIDs 47350601 through 47350603 and 47776001.
5. ``Acetic Acid''. Hazardous Substances Data Base. 2010. National
Library of Medicine January 13, 2010 http://www.toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/
cgibin/sis/search/f?./temp/~SWRBRt:1.
6. MRIDs 47330503, 47330504, 47330507, 47330508 and 47330513-
47330518).
7. Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives.
``Toxicological Evaluation of Some Microbials, Antioxidants,
Emulsifiers, Stabilizers, Flour-Treatment Agents, Acids and Bases.''
1967. WHO/Food Add. January 13, 2010 http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/40abcj37.htm.
8. EPA Memorandum R.S. Jones to D. Benmhend. ``Science Review in
Support of the Registration of Eastman Acetic Acid[reg] P Grain and Hay
Preservative. . . .''. April 12, 2004.
X. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This final rule establishes a tolerance under section 408(d) of
FFDCA in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and
Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this final rule has been
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this final rule is
not subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or
Use (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled
Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks
(62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This final rule does not contain any
information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., nor does it require any
special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled Federal
Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and
Low-Income Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis
of a petition under section 408(d) of FFDCA, such as the tolerance in
this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.) do not apply.
This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions
of section 408(n)(4) of FFDCA. As such, the Agency has determined that
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of
[[Page 40741]]
power and responsibilities among the various levels of government or
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has
determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled Federalism (64 FR
43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this final rule. In addition,
this final rule does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any
unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Public Law 104-4).
This action does not involve any technical standards that would
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272
note).
XI. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report to each House of the Congress and to
the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report
containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. Senate,
the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the
United States prior to publication of this final rule in the Federal
Register. This final rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5
U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: June 30, 2010.
W. Michael McDavit,
Acting Director, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division,
Office of Pesticide Programs.
0
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:
PART 180--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
0
2. In subpart D, revise Sec. 180.1258 to read as follows:
Sec. 180.1258 Acetic acid; exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance.
(a) An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established
for residues of the biochemical pesticide acetic acid when used as a
preservative on post-harvest agricultural commodities intended for
animal feed, including Alfalfa, seed; alfalfa, hay; barley, grain;
bermudagrass, hay; bluegrass, hay; bromegrass, hay; clover, hay; corn,
field, grain; corn, pop, grain; cowpea, hay; fescue, hay; lespedeza,
hay; lupin; oat, grain; orchardgrass, hay; peanut, hay; timothy, hay;
vetch, hay; and wheat, grain, or commodities described as grain or hay.
(b) An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established
for residues of acetic acid in or on all food crops resulting from
unintentional spray and drift to non-target vegetation including non-
food, food and feed crops when used as a non-selective contact
herbicide spray.
[FR Doc. 2010-17163 Filed 7-13-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S