68 FR 58 pgs. 14622-14626 - Azoxystrobin; Notice of Filing a Pesticide Petition to Establish a Tolerance for a Certain Pesticide Chemical in or on Food
Type: NOTICEVolume: 68Number: 58Pages: 14622 - 14626
Docket number: [OPP-2003-0106; FRL-7299-3]
FR document: [FR Doc. 03-7056 Filed 3-25-03; 8:45 am]
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[OPP-2003-0106; FRL-7299-3]
Azoxystrobin; Notice of Filing a Pesticide Petition to Establish a Tolerance for a Certain Pesticide Chemical in or on Food
AGENCY:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION:
Notice.
SUMMARY:
This notice announces the initial filing of a pesticide petition proposing the establishment of regulations for residues of a certain pesticide chemical in or on various food commodities.
DATES:
Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2003-0106, must be received on or before April 25, 2003.
ADDRESSES:
Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, or through hand delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as provided in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION .
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shaja R. Brothers, Registration Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 308-3194; e-mail address: brothers.shaja@epa.gov.
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 111)
•Animal production (NAICS 112)
•Food manufacturing (NAICS 311)
•Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS 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 Copies of this Document and Other Related Information?
1. Docket . EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number OPP-2003-0106. The official public docket consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, any public comments received, and other information related to this action. Although a part of the official docket, the public docket does not include Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. The official public docket is the collection of materials that is available for public viewing at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA. This docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The docket telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
2. Electronic access . You may access this Federal Register document electronically through the EPA Internet under the " Federal Register " listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.
An electronic version of the public docket is available through EPA's electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may use EPA Dockets at http://www.epa.gov/edocket/ to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the official public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Although not all docket materials may be available electronically, you may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through the docket facility identified in Unit I.B.1. Once in the system, select "search," then key in the appropriate docket ID number.
Certain types of information will not be placed in the EPA Dockets. Information claimed as CBI and other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute, which is not included in the official public docket, will not be available for public viewing in EPA's electonic public docket. EPA's policy is that copyrighted material will not be placed in EPA's electronic public docket but will be available only in printed, paper form in the official public docket. To the extent feasible, publicly available docket materials will be made available in EPA's electronic public docket. When a document is selected from the index list in EPA Dockets, the system will identify whether the document is available for viewing in EPA's electronic public docket. Although not all docket materials may be available electronically, you may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through the docket facility identified in Unit I.B. EPA intends to work towards providing electronic access to all of the publicly available docket materials through EPA's electronic public docket.
For public commenters, it is important to note that EPA's policy is that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, will be made available for public viewing in EPA's electronic public docket as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material, CBI, or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. When EPA identifies a comment containing copyrighted material, EPA will provide a reference to that material in the version of the comment that is placed in EPA's electronic public docket. The entire printed comment, including the copyrighted material, will be available in the public docket.
Public comments submitted on computer disks that are mailed or delivered to the docket will be transferred to EPA's electronic public docket. Public comments that are mailed or delivered to the docket will be scanned and placed in EPA's electronic public docket. Where practical, physical objects will be photographed, and the photograph will be placed in EPA's electronic public docket along with a brief description written by the docket staff.
C. How and To Whom Do I Submit Comments?
You may submit comments electronically, by mail, or through hand delivery/courier. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, identify the appropriate docket ID number in the subject line on the first page of your comment. Please ensure that your comments are submitted within the specified comment period. Comments received after the close of the comment period will be marked "late." EPA is not required to consider these late comments. If you wish to submit CBI or information that is otherwise protected by statute, please follow the instructions in Unit I.D. Do not use EPA Dockets or e-mail to submit CBI or information protected by statute.
1. Electronically . If you submit an electronic comment as prescribed in this unit, EPA recommends that you include your name, mailing address, and an e-mail address or other contact information in the body of your comment. Also, include this contact information on the outside of any disk or CD ROM you submit, and in any cover letter accompanying the disk or CD ROM. This ensures that you can be identified as the submitter of the comment and allows EPA to contact you in case EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties or needs further information on the substance of your comment. EPA's policy is that EPA will not edit your comment, and any identifying or contact information provided in the body of a comment will be included as part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, and made available in EPA's electronic public docket. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment.
i. EPA Dockets . Your use of EPA's electronic public docket to submit comments to EPA electronically is EPA's preferred method for receiving comments. Go directly to EPA Dockets at http://www.epa.gov/edocket, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once in the system, select "search," and then key in docket ID number OPP-2003-0106. The system is an "anonymous access" system, which means EPA will not know your identity, e-mail address, or other contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment.
ii. E-mail . Comments may be sent by e-mail to opp-docket@epa.gov, Attention: Docket ID Number OPP-2003-0106. In contrast to EPA's electronic public docket, EPA's e-mail system is not an "anonymous access" system. If you send an e-mail comment directly to the docket without going through EPA's electronic public docket, EPA's e-mail system automatically captures your e-mail address. E-mail addresses that are automatically captured by EPA's e-mail system are included as part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, and made available in EPA's electronic public docket.
iii. Disk or CD ROM . You may submit comments on a disk or CD ROM that you mail to the mailing address identified in Unit I.C.2. These electronic submissions will be accepted in WordPerfect or ASCII file format. Avoid the use of special characters and any form of encryption.
2. By mail . Send your comments to: Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001, Attention: Docket ID Number OPP-2003-0106.
3. By hand delivery or courier . Deliver your comments to: Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA, Attention: Docket ID Number OPP-2003-0106. Such deliveries are only accepted during the docket's normal hours of operation as identified in Unit I.B.1.
D. How Should I Submit CBI To the Agency?
Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI electronically through EPA's electronic public docket or by e-mail. You may claim information that you submit to EPA as CBI by marking any part or all of that information as CBI (if you submit CBI on disk or CD ROM, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is CBI). Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.
In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes any information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket and EPA's electronic public docket. If you submit the copy that does not contain CBI on disk or CD ROM, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM clearly that it does not contain CBI. Information not marked as CBI will be included in the public docket and EPA's electronic public docket without prior notice. If you have any questions about CBI or the procedures for claiming CBI, please consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT .
E. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?
You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your comments:
1. Explain your views as clearly as possible.
2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used that support your views.
4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you arrived at the estimate that you provide.
5. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns.
6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline in this notice.
7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal Register citation.
II. What Action is the Agency Taking?
EPA has received a pesticide petition as follows proposing the establishment and/or amendment of regulations for residues of a certain pesticide chemical in or on various food commodities under section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a. EPA has determined that this petition contains data or information regarding theelements set forth in FFDCA section 408(d)(2); however, EPA has not fully evaluated the sufficiency of the submitted data at this time or whether the data support granting of the petition. Additional data may be needed before EPA rules on the petition.
List of Subjects
Environmental protection, Agricultural commodities, Feed additives, Food additives, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: March 18, 2003.
Debra Edwards,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
Summary of Petition
The petitioner's summary of the pesticide petition is printed below as required by FFDCA section 408(d)(3). The summary of the petition was prepared by the petitioner and represents the view of the petitioner. The petition summary announces the availability of a description of the analytical methods available to EPA for the detection and measurement of the pesticide chemical residues or an explanation of why no such method is needed.
Interregional Research Project Number (IR-4)
PP 2E6375, 2E6488, 2E6489, and 2E6495
EPA has received pesticide petitions (2E6375, 2E6488, 2E6489, and 2E6495) from the Interregional Research Project Number (IR-4), 681 U.S. Highway #1 South, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 proposing, pursuant to section 408(d) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(d), to amend 40 CFR 180.507 by establishing tolerances for residues of azoxystrobin, methyl( E )-2-(2-(6-(2-cyanophenoxy) pyrimidin-4-yloxy)phenyl)-3-methoxyacrylate and the Z-isomer of azoxystrobin, methyl( Z )-2-(2-(6-(2-cyanophenoxy)pyrimidin-4-yloxy)phenyl)-3 methoxyacrylate in or on the following raw agricultural commodities: asparagus at 0.02 parts per million (ppm) (2E6375); brassica, head and stem, subgroup 5a at 3.0 ppm (2E6488); artichoke, globe at 4.0 ppm (2E6489); herb subgroup 19A, fresh, except chive at 50 ppm (2E6495); and herb subgroup 19A, dried, except chive at 260 ppm (2E6495). EPA has determined that the petitions contain data or information regarding the elements set forth in section 408(d)(2) of the FFDCA; however, EPA has not fully evaluated the sufficiency of the submitted data at this time or whether the data support granting of the petitions. Additional data may be needed before EPA rules on these petitions. This summary has been prepared by Syngenta, the registrant.
A. Residue Chemistry
1. Plant metabolism . The metabolism of azoxystrobin as well as the nature of the residues is adequately understood for purposes of the tolerances.
2. Analytical method . An adequate analytical method, gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection (GC-NPD) or in mobile phase by high performance liquid chromatography with ultra-violet detection (HPLC-UV), is available for enforcement purposes with a limit of detection that allows monitoring of food with residues at or above the levels set in these tolerances. The Analytical Chemistry section of the EPA concluded that the method(s) are adequate for enforcement. Analytical methods are also available for analyzing meat, milk, poultry and eggs which also underwent successful independent laboratory validations.
3. Magnitude of residues . Complete residue data for azoxystrobin on artichoke, globe; asparagus, head and stem brassica and herb subgroup 19A have been submitted. The requested tolerances are adequately supported.
B. Toxicological Profile
| Exposure Scenario | Dose Used in Risk Assessment, UF | FQPA SF* and Level of Concern for Risk Assessment | Study and Toxicological Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute dietary (generalpopulation including infants and children) | NOAEL= 200 mg/kg/day UF=300 Acute RfD=0.67 mg/kg/day | FQPA SF = 1X aPAD = Acute RfD + FQPA SF = 0.67 mg/kg/day | Acute neurotoxicity study in rates LOAEL = 200 mg/kg/day based on diarrhea and 2 hours post dose at all dose levels up to and including 20 mg/kg/day (the LOAEL) |
| Chronic dietary (all populations) | NOAEL = 18 mg/kg/day UF=100 Chronic RfD = 0.18 mg/kg/day | FQPA SF = 1X cPAD = chronic RfD + FQPA SF = 0.18 mg/kg/day | Combined chronic toxicity carcinogenicity feeding study in rates LOAEL = 34/117 mg/kg/day in males/females based on reduced body weights in both sexes and bile duct lesions in males. |
| Short-term (1-7 days) incidental oral (residential) | NOAEL = 25 mg/kg/day UF = 100 | FQPA SF = 1X | Prenatal developmental oral toxicity study in rates LOAEL = 100 mg/kg/day based on increased maternal diarrhea, urinary incontinence, and salivation. |
| Intermediate-term (1 week to several months) incidental oral (residential) | NOAEL = 20 mg/kg/day UF = 100 | FQPA SF = 1X | 90-Day feeding study in rats LOAEL = 211/223 mg/kg/day in males/females based on decreased body weight gain in both sexes and clinical signs indicative of reduced nutrition. |
| Short- intermediate-, and long-term dermal (residential) | None | None | 21-Day repeated dose dermal study in rats. No dermal or systemic toxicity was seen at the limit does (1,000 mg/kg/day). This risk assessment is not required. |
| Short-term inhalation (1-7 days) (residential) | Oral Study NOAEL = 25 mg/kg/day (inhalation absorption rate - 100%) | LOC for MOE = 100 (residential) | Prenatal developmental oral toxicity study in rats. LOAEL = 100 mg/kg/day based on increased maternal diarrhea, urinary incontinence and salivation. |
| Intermediate-term inhalation (1 week to several months) (residential) | Oral Study NOAEL = 20 mg/kg/day (inhalation absorption rate - 100%) | LOC for MOE = 100 (residential) | 90-Day feeding study in rats LOAEL = 211/223 mg/kg/day in males/females based on decreased body weight gain in both sexes and clinical signs indicative of reduced nutrition. |
| Long-term inhalation ( 180 days) (residential) | None | None | This risk assessment is not applicable to the use of azoxystrobin |
| Cancer (oral, dermal, inhalation) | None | None | Azoxystrobin is classified as not likely to be carcinogenic in humans |
2. Metabolite toxicology . There are no metabolites of concern based on a differential metabolism between plants and animals.
3. Endocrine disruption . There is no evidence that azoxystrobin is an endocrine disrupter.
C. Aggregate Exposure
1. Dietary exposure . Tolerance values have been established (40 CFR 180.507(a)) for the combined residues of both azoxystrobin and its Z isomer, in or on a variety of raw agricultural commodities including meat, milk and eggs. These established tolerances range from 0.02 ppm on tree nuts to 55 ppm on soybean hay.
i. Food . Tier I acute and chronic dietary exposure evaluations were made using the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model (DEEM®), version 7.76 from Exponent. All processing factors used DEEM® defaults values. All consumption data for these assessments were taken from the USDA's Continuing Survey of Food Intake by individuals (CSFII) with the 1994-1996 consumption data base and the Supplemental CSFII children's survey (1998) consumption data base. These dietary exposure assessments included all registered uses and proposed uses on asparagus (0.02 ppm), brassica, head and stem subgroup 5A (3 ppm), herb subgroup 19A (250 ppm) and artichoke globe (4 ppm).
ii. Drinking water . There is no established maximum concentration level (MCL) for residues of azoxystrobin in drinking water. No health advisory levels for azoxystrobin in drinking water have been established. The concentration of azoxystrobin in surface water is based on generic estimated environmental concentration (GENEEC) modeling and in ground water based on screening concentration in ground water (SCI-GROW) modeling.
2. Non-dietary exposure . Azoxystrobin is registered for residential use on ornamentals and turf. The Agency evaluated the existing toxicological data base for azoxystrobin and assessed both the appropriate toxicological endpoints and the dose levels of concern. Dermal absorption data indicate that absorption is less than or equal to 4%.
D. Cumulative Effects
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) 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." Azoxystrobin is related to the naturally occurring strobilurins. Syngenta concluded that further consideration of a common mechanism of toxicity is not appropriate at this time since there are no data to establish whether a common mechanism exists with any other substances.
E. Safety Determination
1. Infants and Children . The chronic dietary exposure (food only) resulting from all established and proposed azoxystrobin uses was 27.6% of the reference dose (RfD) for the most sensitive subpopulation, children 1 and 2 years old. Additionally, for this same subpopulation, the acute dietary exposure (food only) resulting from all established and proposed azoxystrobin uses was 22.3% of the acute reference dose (aRfD). The EPA has determined that there is reliable data support using the standard MOE and uncertainty factor (100X for chronic and 300X for acute) for azoxystrobin and that an additional safety factor of 10 is not necessary to be protective of infants and children.
Syngenta has considered the potential aggregate exposure from food, water and non-occupational exposure routes and concludes that aggregate exposure is not expected to exceed 100% of the chronic reference dose and that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and children from the aggregate exposure to azoxystrobin.
[FR Doc. 03-7056 Filed 3-25-03; 8:45 am]
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