Candida oleophila, 22460-22464 [E9-10962]
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Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 91 / Wednesday, May 13, 2009 / Rules and Regulations
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: April 29, 2009.
Meredith F. Laws,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office
of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
■
PART 180—[AMENDED]
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
■ 1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In §180.910, the table is amended
by adding alphabetically the following
inert ingredient to read as follows:
■
§ 180.910 Inert ingredients used pre- and
post-harvest; exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance.
*
*
*
*
Inert ingredients
*
*
*
Calcium lactate
pentahydrate (CAS
Reg. No. 5743–47–
5).
*
*
*
*
Limits
Uses
*
..........
*
Nutrient,
stabilizer
*
*
[FR Doc. E9–10769 Filed 5–12–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–S
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
Candida oleophila Strain O; Exemption
from the Requirement of a Tolerance
AGENCY: Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of the microbial
pesticide, Candida oleophila Strain O,
on apples and pears when applied/used
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• 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.
EPA has established a
docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2008–0164. All documents in the
docket are listed in the docket index
available at https://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
https://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:
Jeannine Kausch, Biopesticides and
Pollution Prevention Division (7511P),
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
(703) 347-8920; e-mail address:
kausch.jeannine@epa.gov.
B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies
of this Document?
In addition to accessing electronically
available documents at https://
www.regulations.gov, you may access
this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet
under the ‘‘Federal Register’’ listings at
https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr. You may
also access a frequently updated
electronic version of 40 CFR part 180
through the Government Printing
Office’s e-CFR site at https://
www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr.
ADDRESSES:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2008–0164; FRL–8412–9]
VerDate Nov<24>2008
as a post-harvest biofungicide. BioNext
sprl (in care of SynTech Global, LLC)
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 Candida oleophila Strain
O.
DATES: This regulation is effective May
13, 2009. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
July 13, 2009, and must be filed in
accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also
Unit I.C. of the 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).
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C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing
Request?
Under section 408(g) of FFDCA, 21
U.S.C. 346a, 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–2008–0164 in the subject line on
the first page of your submission. All
requests must be in writing, and must be
mailed or delivered to the Hearing Clerk
on or before July 13, 2009.
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–2008–0164, by one of
the following methods.
E:\FR\FM\13MYR1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 91 / Wednesday, May 13, 2009 / Rules and Regulations
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
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 March 28,
2008 (73 FR 16673) (FRL–8355–6), 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 7F7310)
by BioNext sprl, Passage des deportes, 2,
B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium (in care of
SynTech Global, LLC, P.O. Box 640,
Hockessin, DE 19707). The petition
requested that 40 CFR part 180 be
amended by establishing an exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance for
residues of Candida oleophila Strain O.
This notice included a summary of the
petition prepared by the petitioner,
BioNext sprl (in care of SynTech Global,
LLC). There were no comments received
in response to the notice of filing.
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
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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.’’
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.
Candida oleophila Strain O is a
single-celled yeast in the phylum
Ascomycota, the class Ascomycetes, and
the family Saccharomycetaceae. Found
naturally on plant tissues (fruits,
flowers, and wood) and in water, it was
originally isolated from Golden
Delicious apples and is intended for use
as an antagonist to control the fungal
pathogens, grey mold (Botrytis cinerea)
and blue mold (Penicillium expansum),
that cause post-harvest decay on apples
and pears. The mode of action for
Candida oleophila Strain O is primarily
through competition for nutrients and
pre-colonization of plant wound sites.
Submitted data also suggest that
production of beta-1,3-glucanases (i.e.,
hydrolytic enzymes that can degrade
fungal phytopathogen cell walls) may
contribute to its antagonistic activity.
According to reported testing, Candida
oleophila Strain O does not grow above
33°C, is sensitive to ultraviolet light,
and is dependent on a carbon source for
growth. Some species of Candida are
reported as opportunistic pathogens to
humans and/or animals. Candida
oleophila, however, is an environmental
microbe unable to grow at mammalian
body temperatures and easily
distinguished from the Candida species
reported as clinical isolates. More
importantly, no pathogenic effects or
infections from Candida oleophila
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Strain O were seen in the submitted
infectivity studies discussed below and
there have been no clinical reports of
Candida oleophila infection even
though various strains of this species
naturally occur on food commodities
such as apples, olives, strawberries,
fermenting grapes, and tomatoes.
Additional information regarding
Candida oleophila Strain O can be
found in the Biopesticides Registration
Action Document (BRAD) on the
Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention
Division (BPPD) website: https://
www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides.
Studies submitted to the Agency were
issued Master Record Identification
(MRID) Numbers and reviewed by BPPD
scientists. These submissions were
considered in light of the microbial
pesticides data requirements, which
became final on December 26, 2007 (72
FR 61002). The following summaries of
the toxicological profile of Candida
oleophila Strain O are based on an
Agency risk assessment memorandum
and related data evaluation records
dated November 13, 2008.
A. Acute Oral Toxicity and
Pathogenicity – Rat (Office of
Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances [OPPTS] Guideline
885.3050; MRID No. 473138-07)
In an acute oral toxicity and
pathogenicity study, groups of rats were
given a single oral dose of Candida
oleophila Strain O at a dose of 2.3–3.8
x 108 colony-forming units (CFU)/
animal. The animals were observed for
a period of up to 22 days with interim
scheduled sacrifices on days 4, 8, and
15. There were no treatment-related
clinical signs, necropsy findings, or
changes in body weight. No test
organisms were recovered from the
gastrointestinal contents, any organs, or
blood of any animal or feces from
treated animals sacrificed on day 22.
Based on the results of this study,
Candida oleophila Strain O does not
appear to be toxic, infective, and/or
pathogenic in rats. This study was rated
‘‘ACCEPTABLE’’ for risk assessment
purposes.
B. Acute Subcutaneous Injection
Toxicity and Pathogenicity – Rat
(OPPTS Guideline 885.3200; MRID No.
473138-08)
In an acute subcutaneous injection
toxicity and pathogenicity study, groups
of rats were injected subcutaneously
with Candida oleophila Strain O with a
dose of 1.1–2.0 x 107 CFU/animal. The
animals were observed for up to 22
days. There were no treatment-related
clinical signs, necropsy findings, or
changes in body weight. No test
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organisms were recovered from the
gastrointestinal contents, organs, blood,
or the injection site of any animal.
Based on the results of this study,
Candida oleophila Strain O does not
appear to be toxic, infective, and/or
pathogenic in rats, when dosed at 1.1–
2.0 x 107 CFU/animal. This study was
rated ‘‘ACCEPTABLE’’ for risk
assessment purposes.
C. Acute Pulmonary Toxicity and
Pathogenicity – Rat (OPPTS Guideline
885.3150; MRID No. 473138-09)
In an acute pulmonary toxicity and
pathogenicity study, groups of rats were
exposed by the intratracheal route to
Candida oleophila Strain O at a dose of
1.2–5.2 x 108 CFU/animal. The animals
were observed for up to 22 days. There
were no test substance-related clinical
signs, necropsy findings, or changes in
body weight. Test organisms were
recovered in the lungs from the treated
males and females sacrificed one hour
post dosing with clearance by day 4. No
test organisms were recovered from the
gastrointestinal contents, organs, or
blood of any animal or feces from
treated animals sacrificed on day 22.
Based on these results, Candida
oleophila Strain O does not appear to be
toxic, infective, and/or pathogenic to
rats at 1.2–5.2 x 108 CFU/animal. This
study was rated ‘‘ACCEPTABLE’’ for
risk assessment purposes.
D. Hypersensitivity Incidents (OPPTS
Guideline 885.3400; MRID No. 47313812)
During a pilot-plant production trial
using fermentation vessels and
involving large amounts of Candida
oleophila Strain O, 3 of 6 workers (all
on the same work team) not wearing
personal protective equipment (PPE)
reported clinical symptoms of a
respiratory reaction. No adverse dermal
effects have been reported by workers.
Respiratory and dermal sensitization to
consumers is not anticipated, mainly
due to the extremely high exposure to
Candida oleophila Strain O encountered
by workers during the fermentation
process as opposed to the very low
exposure anticipated on treated fruit
intended for human consumption. Any
future hypersensitivity reports must be
reported per OPPTS Guideline
885.3400.
E. Bacterial Reverse Mutation Test
(OPPTS Guideline 870.5100; MRID No.
473138-13) and In Vitro Mammalian
Cell Gene Mutation Test (OPPTS
Guideline 870.5300; MRID No. 47313814)
Two mutagenicity tests were
submitted, reviewed, and indicated that
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Candida oleophila Strain O did not
have mutagenic potential. These studies
were rated ‘‘SUPPLEMENTAL’’ for the
purposes of risk assessment and they are
not required studies for this active
ingredient.
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 nonoccupational 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).
A. Dietary Exposure
Dietary exposure to Candida
oleophila Strain O is likely to occur,
mainly through food. However, the lack
of acute oral toxicity/pathogenicity,
based on the toxicology test on rats
presented in Unit III., and the
ubiquitous nature of the microbe on
various food commodities support the
establishment of an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance for Candida
oleophila Strain O. Additionally, under
40 CFR 180.1144, a similar active
ingredient, Candida oleophila isolate I182, was assessed previously and
granted an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance when used as
a post-harvest biological fungicide in or
on all raw agricultural commodities.
1. Food. Candida oleophila Strain O
is naturally present on apples as it was
originally isolated in 1991 from the
surface of Golden Delicious apples.
Based on information submitted to the
Agency, population densities of white
yeasts are estimated to reach 1.5 x 103
CFU/square centimeter (cm2) on
harvested apples, which includes the
natural population of Candida
oleophila. Background levels of
Candida oleophila Strain O on apples
are expected to be below 1.5 x 103 CFU/
cm2. Post-harvest treatment with
Candida oleophila Strain O will
probably lead to a temporary increased
level of this yeast on apples. The mode
of action of Candida oleophila Strain O
is primarily based on competition for
nutrients; therefore, sufficient
colonization of apple surfaces has to be
reached to ensure efficacy of the active
ingredient. The recommended
application rate of Candida oleophila
Strain O leads to an expected residual
Candida oleophila Strain O population
of approximately 4 x 104 CFU/cm2 (105
CFU/apple). Standard practices of
washing, peeling, cooking, or processing
fruits further reduces residues of
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Candida oleophila Strain O and
minimizes dietary exposure. Actual
dietary exposure is expected to be
several orders of magnitude lower than
the dose used in the acute oral toxicity/
pathogenicity test referenced in Unit III.,
during which no toxic or pathogenic
effects were observed in rats. The
Agency concludes that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from the aggregate exposure to the
residues of Candida oleophila Strain O
in food.
2. Drinking water exposure. Exposure
of humans to residues of Candida
oleophila Strain O in drinking water is
unlikely. The proposed use pattern, use
sites, and application methods for
Candida oleophila Strain O (i.e., dip or
drench application to apples and pears
after harvest and prior to storage) does
not include direct application to aquatic
environments. In the unlikely event that
Candida oleophila Strain O was
transferred to surface or ground water
intended for eventual human
consumption, the microbe would not
survive the conditions water is
subjected to in a drinking water
treatment facility, including
flocculation, chlorination, pH
adjustments, and/or filtration. Even if
oral exposure should occur through
drinking water, the Agency concludes
that there is a reasonable certainty that
no harm will result from the exposure
to the residues of Candida oleophila
Strain O in all the anticipated drinking
water exposures because of the lack of
acute oral toxicity/pathogenicity to
mammals and the ubiquitous nature of
the microbe, as previously described.
B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure
Potential non-occupational dermal or
inhalation exposure is considered
unlikely for this distinctly agricultural
use (i.e., post-harvest treatment of the
harvested portions—pears and apples—
of agricultural plants).
1. Dermal exposure. Nonoccupational dermal exposure to
Candida oleophila Strain O, when used
as labeled, is expected to be negligible
because it is limited to post-harvest
agricultural treatment of apples and
pears. However, should nonoccupational dermal exposure occur
through treated food commodities, the
risk posed by this low toxicity microbe
is likely to be minimal based on the
toxicity and pathogenicity tests
described in Unit III. Furthermore,
exposure would not be expected to
exceed background as similar yeasts and
those in the genus and species, Candida
oleophila, are commonly associated
with particular food commodities.
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2. Inhalation exposure. Nonoccupational inhalation exposure to
Candida oleophila Strain O, when used
as labeled, is expected to be negligible
because of the method of application
(i.e., dipping and drenching of apples
and pears), which then allows sufficient
time for drying prior to distribution to
consumers. Furthermore, most of the
residual yeast on apples and pears is
trapped in the cuticular wax and it is
unlikely to be inhaled by consumers.
V. Cumulative Effects
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of the FFDCA
requires the Agency to consider the
cumulative effects of exposure to
Candida oleophila Strain O and to other
substances that have a common
mechanism of toxicity. These
considerations include the possible
cumulative effects of such residues on
infants and children. As demonstrated
in Unit III., Candida oleophila Strain O
is not toxic or pathogenic to mammals
via several routes of exposure.
Additionally, there are no other
Candida oleophila strains currently
registered as pesticides with the
Agency. Consequently, since this
microbial pesticide has no demonstrated
toxicity, there is no reason to anticipate
cumulative effects from the residues of
this product with other related
microbial pesticides.
VI. Determination of Safety for U.S.
Population, Infants and Children
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C) provides
that EPA shall assess the available
information about consumption patterns
among infants and children, special
susceptibility of infants and children to
pesticide chemical residues, and the
cumulative effects on infants and
children of the residues and other
substances with a common mechanism
of toxicity. In addition, FFDCA section
408(b)(2)(C) also provides that EPA shall
apply an additional tenfold margin of
safety for infants and children in the
case of threshold effects to account for
prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the
completeness of the database unless
EPA determines that a different margin
of safety will be safe for infants and
children. Margins of exposure (safety),
which are often referred to as
uncertainty factors, are incorporated
into EPA risk assessment either directly
or through the use of a margin of
exposure analysis, or by using
uncertainty (safety) factors in
calculating a dose level that poses no
appreciable risk.
Based on the acute toxicity and
pathogenicity data discussed in Unit III.,
EPA concludes that there is a reasonable
certainty that no harm will result from
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aggregate exposure to the United States
population, including infants and
children, to the residues of Candida
oleophila Strain O. This includes all
anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information. The Agency has
arrived at this conclusion because the
data available on Candida oleophila
Strain O do not demonstrate toxic,
pathogenic, or infective potential to
mammals. Thus, there are no threshold
effects of concern and, as a result, the
provision requiring an additional
margin of safety does not apply. Further,
the considerations of consumption
patterns, special susceptibility, and
cumulative effects do not apply to
pesticides without a demonstrated
significant adverse effect.
VII. Other Considerations
A. Endocrine Disruptors
EPA is required, under Section 408(p)
of the FFDCA, to develop a screening
program to determine whether certain
substances (including all pesticide
active and other ingredients) ‘‘may have
an effect in humans that is similar to an
effect produced by naturally-occurring
estrogen, or other such endocrine effects
as the Administrator may designate.’’
Following the recommendations of its
Endocrine Disruptor Screening and
Testing Advisory Committee (EDSTAC),
EPA determined that there was a
scientific basis for including, as part of
its program, androgen and thyroid
hormone systems, in addition to the
estrogen hormone system. EPA also
adopted EDSTAC’s recommendation
that the program include evaluations of
potential effects on wildlife.
The Agency has no knowledge of
Candida oleophila Strain O being an
endocrine disruptor, nor is this microbe
related to any class of known endocrine
disruptors. Following several routes of
exposure in rodents, the Tier I
toxicology data indicated that the
immune system was still intact and able
to process and clear Candida oleophila
Strain O from a variety of organs or
tissues. Additional data, specifically on
the endocrine effects of this microbial
pesticide, are not required at this time.
Consequently, endocrine-related
concerns did not impact the Agency’s
safety finding for Candida oleophila
Strain O. When the appropriate
screening and/or testing protocols being
considered under the Agency’s
Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program
(EDSP) have been developed and
implemented, Candida oleophila Strain
O may be subject to additional screening
and/or testing to better characterize
effects related to endocrine disruption.
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22463
B. Analytical Method(s)
The Agency proposes to establish an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance without any numerical
limitation; therefore, the Agency has
concluded that an analytical method is
not required for enforcement purposes
for Candida oleophila Strain O.
C. Codex Maximum Residue Level
No Codex maximum residue level
exists for ECandida oleophila Strain O.
VIII. Conclusions
The results of the studies discussed in
Unit III meet the safety requirements of
the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA)
of 1996. They support an exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance for
the residues of the microbial pesticide,
Candida oleophila Strain O, on apples
and pears. In addition, the Agency is of
the opinion that, if the microbial active
ingredient is used as allowed, aggregate
exposure and cumulative effects are not
likely to harm the United States
population, including infants and
children. Therefore, in response to
pesticide tolerance petition 7F7310, an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance is established for the residues
of the microbial pesticide, Candida
oleophila Strain O, on apples and pears
when applied/used as a post-harvest
biofungicide.
IX. 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).
E:\FR\FM\13MYR1.SGM
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22464
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 91 / Wednesday, May 13, 2009 / Rules and Regulations
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
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).
X. 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,
VerDate Nov<24>2008
17:32 May 12, 2009
Jkt 217001
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Dated:May 1, 2009.
Debra Edwards,
Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
■
PART 180—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. Section 180.1289 is added to
subpart D to read as follows:
■
§ 180.1289 Candida oleophila Strain O;
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance.
An exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance is established for the
residues of the microbial pesticide,
Candida oleophila Strain O, on apples
and pears when applied/used as a postharvest biofungicide.
[FR Doc. E9–10962 Filed 5–12–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–S
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2009–0020; FRL–8410–3]
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a
docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2009–0020. All documents in the
docket are listed in the docket index
available in https://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
https://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:
Stacey Groce, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
(703) 305–2505; e-mail address:
groce.stacey@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Methoxyfenozide; Pesticide Tolerances
for Emergency Exemptions
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes
time-limited tolerances for residues of
the insecticide methoxyfenozide per se,
in or on sorghum, forage; sorghum,
grain; and sorghum, stover. This action
is in response to a crisis exemption
issued by the Louisiana Department of
Agriculture under section 18 of the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizing
use of the pesticide on grain sorghum.
This regulation establishes a maximum
permissible level for residues of
methoxyfenozide in these feed
commodities. The time-limited
tolerances expire and will be revoked on
December 31, 2012.
DATES: This regulation is effective May
13, 2009. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
July 13, 2009, and must be filed in
accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also
Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION).
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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.
E:\FR\FM\13MYR1.SGM
13MYR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 91 (Wednesday, May 13, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22460-22464]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-10962]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0164; FRL-8412-9]
Candida oleophila Strain O; Exemption from the Requirement of a
Tolerance
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance for residues of the microbial pesticide, Candida
oleophila Strain O, on apples and pears when applied/used as a post-
harvest biofungicide. BioNext sprl (in care of SynTech Global, LLC)
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 Candida oleophila Strain O.
DATES: This regulation is effective May 13, 2009. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before July 13, 2009, 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-2008-0164. All documents in the
docket are listed in the docket index available at https://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 https://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: Jeannine Kausch, Biopesticides and
Pollution Prevention Division (7511P), Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (703) 347-8920; e-mail address: kausch.jeannine@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 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 Access Electronic Copies of this Document?
In addition to accessing electronically available documents at
https://www.regulations.gov, you may access this Federal Register
document electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal
Register'' listings at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr. You may also access
a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR part 180 through the
Government Printing Office's e-CFR site at https://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr.
C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing Request?
Under section 408(g) of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a, 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-2008-0164 in the subject line on the first page of
your submission. All requests must be in writing, and must be mailed or
delivered to the Hearing Clerk on or before July 13, 2009.
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-2008-0164, by one of the following methods.
[[Page 22461]]
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://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 March 28, 2008 (73 FR 16673) (FRL-8355-
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 7F7310) by BioNext sprl, Passage des deportes, 2, B-5030
Gembloux, Belgium (in care of SynTech Global, LLC, P.O. Box 640,
Hockessin, DE 19707). The petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be
amended by establishing an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of Candida oleophila Strain O. This notice
included a summary of the petition prepared by the petitioner, BioNext
sprl (in care of SynTech Global, LLC). There were no comments received
in response to the notice of filing.
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.''
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.
Candida oleophila Strain O is a single-celled yeast in the phylum
Ascomycota, the class Ascomycetes, and the family Saccharomycetaceae.
Found naturally on plant tissues (fruits, flowers, and wood) and in
water, it was originally isolated from Golden Delicious apples and is
intended for use as an antagonist to control the fungal pathogens, grey
mold (Botrytis cinerea) and blue mold (Penicillium expansum), that
cause post-harvest decay on apples and pears. The mode of action for
Candida oleophila Strain O is primarily through competition for
nutrients and pre-colonization of plant wound sites. Submitted data
also suggest that production of beta-1,3-glucanases (i.e., hydrolytic
enzymes that can degrade fungal phytopathogen cell walls) may
contribute to its antagonistic activity. According to reported testing,
Candida oleophila Strain O does not grow above 33[deg]C, is sensitive
to ultraviolet light, and is dependent on a carbon source for growth.
Some species of Candida are reported as opportunistic pathogens to
humans and/or animals. Candida oleophila, however, is an environmental
microbe unable to grow at mammalian body temperatures and easily
distinguished from the Candida species reported as clinical isolates.
More importantly, no pathogenic effects or infections from Candida
oleophila Strain O were seen in the submitted infectivity studies
discussed below and there have been no clinical reports of Candida
oleophila infection even though various strains of this species
naturally occur on food commodities such as apples, olives,
strawberries, fermenting grapes, and tomatoes. Additional information
regarding Candida oleophila Strain O can be found in the Biopesticides
Registration Action Document (BRAD) on the Biopesticides and Pollution
Prevention Division (BPPD) website: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides.
Studies submitted to the Agency were issued Master Record
Identification (MRID) Numbers and reviewed by BPPD scientists. These
submissions were considered in light of the microbial pesticides data
requirements, which became final on December 26, 2007 (72 FR 61002).
The following summaries of the toxicological profile of Candida
oleophila Strain O are based on an Agency risk assessment memorandum
and related data evaluation records dated November 13, 2008.
A. Acute Oral Toxicity and Pathogenicity - Rat (Office of Prevention,
Pesticides, and Toxic Substances [OPPTS] Guideline 885.3050; MRID No.
473138-07)
In an acute oral toxicity and pathogenicity study, groups of rats
were given a single oral dose of Candida oleophila Strain O at a dose
of 2.3-3.8 x 108 colony-forming units (CFU)/animal. The
animals were observed for a period of up to 22 days with interim
scheduled sacrifices on days 4, 8, and 15. There were no treatment-
related clinical signs, necropsy findings, or changes in body weight.
No test organisms were recovered from the gastrointestinal contents,
any organs, or blood of any animal or feces from treated animals
sacrificed on day 22. Based on the results of this study, Candida
oleophila Strain O does not appear to be toxic, infective, and/or
pathogenic in rats. This study was rated ``ACCEPTABLE'' for risk
assessment purposes.
B. Acute Subcutaneous Injection Toxicity and Pathogenicity - Rat (OPPTS
Guideline 885.3200; MRID No. 473138-08)
In an acute subcutaneous injection toxicity and pathogenicity
study, groups of rats were injected subcutaneously with Candida
oleophila Strain O with a dose of 1.1-2.0 x 107 CFU/animal.
The animals were observed for up to 22 days. There were no treatment-
related clinical signs, necropsy findings, or changes in body weight.
No test
[[Page 22462]]
organisms were recovered from the gastrointestinal contents, organs,
blood, or the injection site of any animal. Based on the results of
this study, Candida oleophila Strain O does not appear to be toxic,
infective, and/or pathogenic in rats, when dosed at 1.1-2.0 x
107 CFU/animal. This study was rated ``ACCEPTABLE'' for risk
assessment purposes.
C. Acute Pulmonary Toxicity and Pathogenicity - Rat (OPPTS Guideline
885.3150; MRID No. 473138-09)
In an acute pulmonary toxicity and pathogenicity study, groups of
rats were exposed by the intratracheal route to Candida oleophila
Strain O at a dose of 1.2-5.2 x 108 CFU/animal. The animals
were observed for up to 22 days. There were no test substance-related
clinical signs, necropsy findings, or changes in body weight. Test
organisms were recovered in the lungs from the treated males and
females sacrificed one hour post dosing with clearance by day 4. No
test organisms were recovered from the gastrointestinal contents,
organs, or blood of any animal or feces from treated animals sacrificed
on day 22. Based on these results, Candida oleophila Strain O does not
appear to be toxic, infective, and/or pathogenic to rats at 1.2-5.2 x
108 CFU/animal. This study was rated ``ACCEPTABLE'' for risk
assessment purposes.
D. Hypersensitivity Incidents (OPPTS Guideline 885.3400; MRID No.
473138-12)
During a pilot-plant production trial using fermentation vessels
and involving large amounts of Candida oleophila Strain O, 3 of 6
workers (all on the same work team) not wearing personal protective
equipment (PPE) reported clinical symptoms of a respiratory reaction.
No adverse dermal effects have been reported by workers. Respiratory
and dermal sensitization to consumers is not anticipated, mainly due to
the extremely high exposure to Candida oleophila Strain O encountered
by workers during the fermentation process as opposed to the very low
exposure anticipated on treated fruit intended for human consumption.
Any future hypersensitivity reports must be reported per OPPTS
Guideline 885.3400.
E. Bacterial Reverse Mutation Test (OPPTS Guideline 870.5100; MRID No.
473138-13) and In Vitro Mammalian Cell Gene Mutation Test (OPPTS
Guideline 870.5300; MRID No. 473138-14)
Two mutagenicity tests were submitted, reviewed, and indicated that
Candida oleophila Strain O did not have mutagenic potential. These
studies were rated ``SUPPLEMENTAL'' for the purposes of risk assessment
and they are not required studies for this active ingredient.
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).
A. Dietary Exposure
Dietary exposure to Candida oleophila Strain O is likely to occur,
mainly through food. However, the lack of acute oral toxicity/
pathogenicity, based on the toxicology test on rats presented in Unit
III., and the ubiquitous nature of the microbe on various food
commodities support the establishment of an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance for Candida oleophila Strain O.
Additionally, under 40 CFR 180.1144, a similar active ingredient,
Candida oleophila isolate I-182, was assessed previously and granted an
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a post-
harvest biological fungicide in or on all raw agricultural commodities.
1. Food. Candida oleophila Strain O is naturally present on apples
as it was originally isolated in 1991 from the surface of Golden
Delicious apples. Based on information submitted to the Agency,
population densities of white yeasts are estimated to reach 1.5 x
103 CFU/square centimeter (cm2) on harvested
apples, which includes the natural population of Candida oleophila.
Background levels of Candida oleophila Strain O on apples are expected
to be below 1.5 x 103 CFU/cm2. Post-harvest
treatment with Candida oleophila Strain O will probably lead to a
temporary increased level of this yeast on apples. The mode of action
of Candida oleophila Strain O is primarily based on competition for
nutrients; therefore, sufficient colonization of apple surfaces has to
be reached to ensure efficacy of the active ingredient. The recommended
application rate of Candida oleophila Strain O leads to an expected
residual Candida oleophila Strain O population of approximately 4 x
104 CFU/cm2 (105 CFU/apple). Standard
practices of washing, peeling, cooking, or processing fruits further
reduces residues of Candida oleophila Strain O and minimizes dietary
exposure. Actual dietary exposure is expected to be several orders of
magnitude lower than the dose used in the acute oral toxicity/
pathogenicity test referenced in Unit III., during which no toxic or
pathogenic effects were observed in rats. The Agency concludes that
there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from the
aggregate exposure to the residues of Candida oleophila Strain O in
food.
2. Drinking water exposure. Exposure of humans to residues of
Candida oleophila Strain O in drinking water is unlikely. The proposed
use pattern, use sites, and application methods for Candida oleophila
Strain O (i.e., dip or drench application to apples and pears after
harvest and prior to storage) does not include direct application to
aquatic environments. In the unlikely event that Candida oleophila
Strain O was transferred to surface or ground water intended for
eventual human consumption, the microbe would not survive the
conditions water is subjected to in a drinking water treatment
facility, including flocculation, chlorination, pH adjustments, and/or
filtration. Even if oral exposure should occur through drinking water,
the Agency concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm
will result from the exposure to the residues of Candida oleophila
Strain O in all the anticipated drinking water exposures because of the
lack of acute oral toxicity/pathogenicity to mammals and the ubiquitous
nature of the microbe, as previously described.
B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure
Potential non-occupational dermal or inhalation exposure is
considered unlikely for this distinctly agricultural use (i.e., post-
harvest treatment of the harvested portions--pears and apples--of
agricultural plants).
1. Dermal exposure. Non-occupational dermal exposure to Candida
oleophila Strain O, when used as labeled, is expected to be negligible
because it is limited to post-harvest agricultural treatment of apples
and pears. However, should non-occupational dermal exposure occur
through treated food commodities, the risk posed by this low toxicity
microbe is likely to be minimal based on the toxicity and pathogenicity
tests described in Unit III. Furthermore, exposure would not be
expected to exceed background as similar yeasts and those in the genus
and species, Candida oleophila, are commonly associated with particular
food commodities.
[[Page 22463]]
2. Inhalation exposure. Non-occupational inhalation exposure to
Candida oleophila Strain O, when used as labeled, is expected to be
negligible because of the method of application (i.e., dipping and
drenching of apples and pears), which then allows sufficient time for
drying prior to distribution to consumers. Furthermore, most of the
residual yeast on apples and pears is trapped in the cuticular wax and
it is unlikely to be inhaled by consumers.
V. Cumulative Effects
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of the FFDCA requires the Agency to
consider the cumulative effects of exposure to Candida oleophila Strain
O and to other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity.
These considerations include the possible cumulative effects of such
residues on infants and children. As demonstrated in Unit III., Candida
oleophila Strain O is not toxic or pathogenic to mammals via several
routes of exposure. Additionally, there are no other Candida oleophila
strains currently registered as pesticides with the Agency.
Consequently, since this microbial pesticide has no demonstrated
toxicity, there is no reason to anticipate cumulative effects from the
residues of this product with other related microbial pesticides.
VI. Determination of Safety for U.S. Population, Infants and Children
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C) provides that EPA shall assess the
available information about consumption patterns among infants and
children, special susceptibility of infants and children to pesticide
chemical residues, and the cumulative effects on infants and children
of the residues and other substances with a common mechanism of
toxicity. In addition, FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C) also provides that
EPA shall apply an additional tenfold margin of safety for infants and
children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and
postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database unless EPA
determines that a different margin of safety will be safe for infants
and children. Margins of exposure (safety), which are often referred to
as uncertainty factors, are incorporated into EPA risk assessment
either directly or through the use of a margin of exposure analysis, or
by using uncertainty (safety) factors in calculating a dose level that
poses no appreciable risk.
Based on the acute toxicity and pathogenicity data discussed in
Unit III., EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no
harm will result from aggregate exposure to the United States
population, including infants and children, to the residues of Candida
oleophila Strain O. This includes all anticipated dietary exposures and
all other exposures for which there is reliable information. The Agency
has arrived at this conclusion because the data available on Candida
oleophila Strain O do not demonstrate toxic, pathogenic, or infective
potential to mammals. Thus, there are no threshold effects of concern
and, as a result, the provision requiring an additional margin of
safety does not apply. Further, the considerations of consumption
patterns, special susceptibility, and cumulative effects do not apply
to pesticides without a demonstrated significant adverse effect.
VII. Other Considerations
A. Endocrine Disruptors
EPA is required, under Section 408(p) of the FFDCA, to develop a
screening program to determine whether certain substances (including
all pesticide active and other ingredients) ``may have an effect in
humans that is similar to an effect produced by naturally-occurring
estrogen, or other such endocrine effects as the Administrator may
designate.'' Following the recommendations of its Endocrine Disruptor
Screening and Testing Advisory Committee (EDSTAC), EPA determined that
there was a scientific basis for including, as part of its program,
androgen and thyroid hormone systems, in addition to the estrogen
hormone system. EPA also adopted EDSTAC's recommendation that the
program include evaluations of potential effects on wildlife.
The Agency has no knowledge of Candida oleophila Strain O being an
endocrine disruptor, nor is this microbe related to any class of known
endocrine disruptors. Following several routes of exposure in rodents,
the Tier I toxicology data indicated that the immune system was still
intact and able to process and clear Candida oleophila Strain O from a
variety of organs or tissues. Additional data, specifically on the
endocrine effects of this microbial pesticide, are not required at this
time. Consequently, endocrine-related concerns did not impact the
Agency's safety finding for Candida oleophila Strain O. When the
appropriate screening and/or testing protocols being considered under
the Agency's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) have been
developed and implemented, Candida oleophila Strain O may be subject to
additional screening and/or testing to better characterize effects
related to endocrine disruption.
B. Analytical Method(s)
The Agency proposes to establish an exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance without any numerical limitation; therefore, the Agency
has concluded that an analytical method is not required for enforcement
purposes for Candida oleophila Strain O.
C. Codex Maximum Residue Level
No Codex maximum residue level exists for ECandida oleophila Strain
O.
VIII. Conclusions
The results of the studies discussed in Unit III meet the safety
requirements of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996. They
support an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for the
residues of the microbial pesticide, Candida oleophila Strain O, on
apples and pears. In addition, the Agency is of the opinion that, if
the microbial active ingredient is used as allowed, aggregate exposure
and cumulative effects are not likely to harm the United States
population, including infants and children. Therefore, in response to
pesticide tolerance petition 7F7310, an exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance is established for the residues of the microbial
pesticide, Candida oleophila Strain O, on apples and pears when
applied/used as a post-harvest biofungicide.
IX. 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).
[[Page 22464]]
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 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).
X. 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:May 1, 2009.
Debra Edwards,
Director, 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. Section 180.1289 is added to subpart D to read as follows:
Sec. 180.1289 Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance.
An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for
the residues of the microbial pesticide, Candida oleophila Strain O, on
apples and pears when applied/used as a post-harvest biofungicide.
[FR Doc. E9-10962 Filed 5-12-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S