The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule that establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for certain fatty acids used in pesticide formulations. These fatty acids, specifically C16-18 and C18-unsaturated, esters with polyethylene glycol mono-Me ether, can be used safely as surfactants in pesticide products for crops and raw agricultural commodities, provided they do not exceed 25% of the formulation by weight. This rule responds to a request from Spring Regulatory Sciences on behalf of Sasol Chemicals (USA) and is effective as of December 2, 2024. The EPA determined that, under specified conditions, the exemption poses no harm to human health, including vulnerable populations like infants and children.
Simple Explanation
The EPA has decided that a certain type of fat used in bug spray mix for plants doesn't need strict checks because it's safe to use up to a certain amount. This means the people who asked for this rule can use it easily without extra steps.