Overview
Title
Cyazofamid; Pesticide Tolerances
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The EPA made new safety rules about how much of a certain pesticide called cyazofamid is okay to be on some foods we eat, like chickpeas and parsnips, to make sure they are safe for everyone, even little kids.
Summary AI
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule establishing tolerances for residues of the pesticide cyazofamid on various crops under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This rule was requested by the Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) and includes specific limits for residues on crops like chickpeas and parsnips. The EPA concluded that these tolerances are safe for the general population, including infants and children. Additionally, some existing tolerances on beans have been removed as they are now unnecessary.
Abstract
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of cyazofamid in or on multiple crops listed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document outlines a new rule established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning the permissible levels of the pesticide cyazofamid on specific crops. This rule, requested by Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4), is part of the EPA's efforts to manage pesticide use under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). Cyazofamid is a fungicide, and the rule sets specific tolerance levels for its residues on crops such as chickpeas and parsnips, among others.
General Summary
The EPA has determined that the specified tolerances for cyazofamid are safe for all consumer groups, including infants and children. As part of this final rule, some previously established tolerances on various bean types have been eliminated, as they are now considered unnecessary. This regulation aims to ensure that pesticide residues in the food supply do not pose significant health risks to consumers.
Significant Issues and Concerns
The document is complex, heavily laden with legal and scientific jargon that may be challenging for a general audience to interpret. Technical sections detailing toxicological assessments and cumulative exposure could be particularly difficult for lay readers to understand without additional background information. Additionally, the document frequently references other regulatory frameworks and Federal Register notices, which may necessitate further exploration to fully grasp its context and implications.
Public Impact
For the general public, this rule ensures that food products meet safety standards concerning pesticide residues, potentially fostering greater confidence in food safety. By setting clear tolerance levels, the rule supports public health objectives and helps prevent excessive exposure to chemicals through the diet.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Agricultural Producers and Pesticide Manufacturers: These stakeholders must adapt their practices to comply with the new tolerances. This might involve adjustments in pesticide application methods or amounts to meet the established limits.
Food Manufacturers and Retailers: By adhering to the new standards, these groups may ensure that their products remain compliant with safety regulations, thus avoiding potential legal or financial repercussions associated with non-compliance.
Researchers and Environmental Advocates: The establishment of these rules could be seen as a positive development, as it reflects ongoing research into the safety of chemical residues and their allowable levels in food products. It underscores the importance of science-based policymaking in environmental health.
Conclusion
Overall, while this rule is primarily regulatory, it has broader implications for food safety and public health. However, given the document’s complexity, it may benefit from simplification or supplementary explanatory materials to enhance accessibility and understanding for non-expert stakeholders. This would ensure broader public engagement and compliance with the new tolerances.
Issues
• The document is highly technical and may be difficult for a layperson to understand, particularly in sections discussing toxicological points of departure and cumulative exposure.
• The document includes multiple references to other Federal Register notices and existing regulatory frameworks, which may require the reader to access additional documents to fully understand certain points.
• The document outlines various pathways to submit objections or hearing requests, including electronic submissions, but may not be accessible for individuals without internet access or understanding of these systems.
• The language used in the document is legalistic and specific to regulatory frameworks, which could be simplified for broader public understanding.
• The sections about cumulative exposure and assessment are complex and may lack clarity for those unfamiliar with pesticide regulation.