Overview
Title
Fluxametamide; Pesticide Tolerances
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The EPA has decided that a chemical called fluxametamide is safe to be used on dried and instant tea. They checked and said it won't hurt people, even kids, if it's used the right way.
Summary AI
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established new rules for the insecticide fluxametamide, allowing it to be used on dried and instant tea. This action was prompted by a request from Nissan Chemical Corporation and permits a maximum residue level of 5 parts per million. The EPA determined that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to humans, including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to residues of fluxametamide on tea. As this is a final rule, it directly affects agricultural producers, food manufacturers, and pesticide manufacturers while adhering to existing regulatory standards.
Abstract
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of fluxametamide in or on tea, dried and tea, instant. Nissan Chemical Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document under review is a final rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the approval of the insecticide fluxametamide for use on dried and instant tea. This regulation was enacted upon the request of Nissan Chemical Corporation, allowing a maximum residue level of 5 parts per million. The rule assures that the exposure to fluxametamide, within this tolerance level, is deemed safe, even for infants and children.
General Summary
At its core, this regulation aims to establish new tolerances for the insecticide fluxametamide specifically for dried and instant tea. The agency's decision followed an evaluation of scientific data to ensure no significant health risks are associated with the consumption of tea containing this pesticide residue. The process involved assessing dietary exposure from food and, given that fluxametamide is not used within the United States, assuming no exposure via drinking water. Additionally, there are no residential uses permitted for this pesticide under current guidelines.
Significant Issues or Concerns
The document’s complexity is worth noting. It employs dense scientific jargon and regulatory language that may not be accessible to the general public. This complexity is compounded by the volume of detailed toxicological data and regulatory procedures, which could easily overwhelm individuals without a specialized understanding. Furthermore, while the document lists procedures for filing objections or hearing requests, the instructions may still be confusing to those unfamiliar with the administrative procedures or legal terminology.
Another point of concern is the absence of collective risk criteria for fluxametamide when considered alongside other substances. This lack of cumulative risk assessment might worry public health advocates concerned about aggregate exposure effects from multiple chemical residues.
Public Impact
Broadly, this regulation affects agricultural producers, food manufacturers, and pesticide manufacturers. By setting a legal tolerance for fluxametamide residues, it opens new trade opportunities, especially for tea importers who can now use this pesticide without exceeding regulatory limits. However, the focus on safety assessments based solely on food exposure could leave some consumers uncertain about potential environmental impacts, such as those possibly affecting air and water, even if currently deemed negligible.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
From a positive standpoint for stakeholders such as tea producers and importers, this rule provides clarity and ensures that using fluxametamide as a pesticide aligns with U.S. safety standards. For these entities, the rule simplifies the compliance landscape and supports global trade by harmonizing certain MRLs (though not necessarily with Codex standards).
However, consumers and environmental groups might view this rule with mixed feelings. While the EPA concludes no harm will result from these residues, skepticism may remain about other potential impacts not fully detailed in the rule, such as those involving broader environmental dynamics or the pesticide's interaction with other chemicals.
In conclusion, while the regulation promotes safe use in specified contexts and supports international agricultural trade, it presents communication and transparency challenges that could provoke concerns regarding comprehensive risk assessments and public understanding of pesticide safety.
Issues
• The document uses complex scientific terminology and jargon, which may not be easily understood by the general public.
• The document is lengthy and densely packed with information, which might make it difficult for individuals without specialized knowledge to identify key points.
• The terms and procedures for filing an objection or hearing request are detailed, but might still be confusing for those unfamiliar with legal or regulatory processes.
• There could be a lack of clarity for individuals regarding their potential exposure to the pesticide from imported tea, as the document assumes no exposure through drinking water since the pesticide is not registered in the United States.
• The document indicates that EPA has not established a set of collective risk criteria for fluxametamide with other substances, which could be of concern to those worried about cumulative exposure effects.
• There is detailed information on toxicological and exposure assessments, but it might not be presented in a user-friendly format for non-expert stakeholders.
• The absence of numeric values for expected exposure in water and air could be considered a lack of comprehensive information on potential environmental impact.
• There is no direct discussion of potential wasteful or favoritism spending concerns, as the document is focused on regulatory permissions and assessments.