Carboxymethyl Guar Gum Sodium Salt and Carboxymethyl-Hydroxypropyl Guar; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance, 44811-44815 [2011-18588]
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 144 / Wednesday, July 27, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
EPA lacks the discretionary authority
to address environmental justice in this
rulemaking.
K. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides
that before a rule may take effect, the
agency promulgating the rule must
submit a rule report, which includes a
copy of the rule, 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 the rule in
the Federal Register. A major rule
cannot take effect until 60 days after it
is published in the Federal Register.
This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as
defined by 5 U.S.C. section 804(2). This
rule will be effective on August 26,
2011.
L. Petitions for Judicial Review
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air
pollution control, Incorporation by
reference, Intergovernmental relations,
Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate
matter, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Volatile organic
compounds.
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Dated: June 30, 2011.
Jared Blumenfeld,
Regional Administrator, Region IX.
Part 52, Chapter I, Title 40 of the Code
of Federal Regulations is amended as
follows:
PART 52—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for Part 52
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
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2. Section 52.220 is amended by
adding paragraphs (c)(381)(i)(E) and (F)
to read as follows:
■
Identification of plan.
*
*
*
*
*
(c) * * *
(381) * * *
(i) * * *
(E) Placer County Air Pollution
Control District.
(1) Rule 502, ‘‘New Source Review,’’
as adopted on February 11, 2010.
(F) Feather River Air Quality
Management District.
(1) Rule 10.1, ‘‘New Source Review,’’
as amended on October 5, 2009, except
section C, as adopted on February 8,
1993.
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2011–18834 Filed 7–26–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
Under section 307(b)(1) of the Clean
Air Act, petitions for judicial review of
this action must be filed in the United
States Court of Appeals for the
appropriate circuit by September 26,
2011. Filing a petition for
reconsideration by the Administrator of
this final rule does not affect the finality
of this rule for the purposes of judicial
review nor does it extend the time
within which a petition for judicial
review may be filed, and shall not
postpone the effectiveness of such rule
or action. This action may not be
challenged later in proceedings to
enforce its requirements (see section
307(b)(2)).
EPA has established a
docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2011–0531 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:
Alganesh Debesai, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
(703) 308–8353; e-mail address:
debesai.alganesh@epa.gov.
ADDRESSES:
Subpart F—California
§ 52.220
44811
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2011–0531; FRL–8880–5]
Carboxymethyl Guar Gum Sodium Salt
and Carboxymethyl-Hydroxypropyl
Guar; Exemption From the
Requirement of a Tolerance
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
I. General Information
This regulation establishes an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of carboxymethyl
guar gum sodium salt (CAS Reg. No.
39346–76–4) and carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar (CAS Reg. No.
68130–15–4); when used as an inert
ingredient (thicker/drift reduction
agent) in pesticide formulations applied
to growing crops. SciReg Inc., on behalf
of Rhodia Inc., submitted a petition to
EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting
establishment of an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance. This
regulation eliminates the need to
establish a maximum permissible level
for residues of carboxymethyl guar gum
sodium salt and carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar.
DATES: This regulation is effective July
27, 2011. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
September 26, 2011, and must be filed
in accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also
Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION).
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.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY:
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A. Does this action apply to me?
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B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of 40 CFR part 180
through the Government Printing
Office’s e-CFR site at https://
ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/
40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 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. 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–2011–0531 in the subject line on
the first page of your submission. All
objections and requests for a hearing
must be in writing, and must be
received by the Hearing Clerk on or
before September 26, 2011. Addresses
for mail and hand delivery of objections
and hearing requests are provided in 40
CFR 178.25(b).
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. Information not marked
confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2
may be disclosed publicly by EPA
without prior notice. Submit a copy of
your non-CBI objection or hearing
request, identified by docket ID number
EPA–HQ–OPP–2011–0531, by one of
the following methods:
• 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. Petition for Exemption
In the Federal Register of February 4,
2011 (76 FR 6467) (FRL–8858–7), EPA
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issued a notice pursuant to section 408
of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a, announcing
the filing of a pesticide petitions (PP
0E7784) under docket ID number EPA–
HQ–OPP–2010–0878 and (PP 0E7803)
under docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2010–1019 by SciReg Inc., on
behalf of Rhodia Inc., 12733 Director’s
Loop, Woodbridge VA 22192. The
petitions requested that 40 CFR 180.920
be amended by establishing an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of carboxymethyl
guar gum sodium salt (CAS Reg. No.
39346–76–4) and carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar (CAS Reg. No.
68130–15–4); when used as an inert
ingredients (thicker/drift reduction
agent) in pesticide formulations applied
to growing crops. Those notices
referenced a summary of the petitions
prepared by SciReg Inc., on behalf of
Rhodia Inc., the petitioner, which is
available in the docket, https://
www.regulations.gov. Comments were
received on both notices of filing. EPA’s
response to these comments is
discussed in Unit V.C.
III. Inert Ingredient Definition
Inert ingredients are all ingredients
that are not active ingredients as defined
in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are
not limited to, the following types of
ingredients (except when they have a
pesticidal efficacy of their own):
Solvents such as alcohols and
hydrocarbons; surfactants such as
polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty
acids; carriers such as clay and
diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as
carrageenan and modified cellulose;
wetting, spreading, and dispersing
agents; propellants in aerosol
dispensers; microencapsulating agents;
and emulsifiers. The term ‘‘inert’’ is not
intended to imply nontoxicity; the
ingredient may or may not be
chemically active. Generally, EPA has
exempted inert ingredients from the
requirement of a tolerance based on the
low toxicity of the individual inert
ingredients.
IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
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 tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(b)(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
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reliable information.’’ This includes
exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Section
408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires 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. * * *’’
EPA establishes exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance only in those
cases where it can be clearly
demonstrated that the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide
chemical residues under reasonably
foreseeable circumstances will pose no
appreciable risks to human health. In
order to determine the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide inert
ingredients, the Agency considers the
toxicity of the inert in conjunction with
possible exposure to residues of the
inert ingredient through food, drinking
water, and through other exposures that
occur as a result of pesticide use in
residential settings. If EPA is able to
determine that a finite tolerance is not
necessary to ensure that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
inert ingredient, an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance may be
established.
Consistent with section 408(c)(2)(A)
of FFDCA, and the factors specified in
FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), EPA has
reviewed the available scientific data
and other relevant information in
support of this action. EPA has
sufficient data to assess the hazards of
and to make a determination on
aggregate exposure of carboxymethyl
guar gum sodium and carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar including exposure
resulting from the exemption
established by this action. EPA’s
assessment of exposures and risks
associated with carboxymethyl guar
gum sodium and carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available
toxicity data and considered their
validity, completeness, and reliability as
well as the relationship of the results of
the studies 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. Specific
information on the studies received and
the nature of the adverse effects caused
by carboxymethyl guar gum sodium and
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carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar as
well as the no-observed-adverse-effectlevel (NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies are discussed in this
unit.
The following provides a brief
summary for the risk assessment and
conclusions for the Agency’s review for
the guar gums, which include
carboxymethyl guar gum sodium and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar. The
Agency’s full decision document for this
action is available in the Agency’s
electronic docket (regulations.gov)
under the docket number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2011–0531. Based upon the
structural similarities between
carboxymethyl guar gum,
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar,
guar gum, and hydroxypropyl guar, the
risk assessment for carboxymethyl guar
and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar
relies upon available data on all four
substances.
Acute oral toxicity studies conducted
with guar, hydroxypropyl guar, and
carboxymethyl guar resulted in oral
LD50 values ranging from 7,060
milligrams per kilogram of body weight
(mg/kg bw) to 17,800 mg/kg bw. Dermal
irritation studies conducted with guar,
hydroxypropyl guar, and carboxymethyl
guar resulted in no irritation to slight
irritation. Eye irritation studies
conducted with guar, hydroxypropyl
guar, and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl
guar demonstrated a range of results
from non-irritation to severe irritation.
Results of skin sensitization and
mutagenicity studies performed with
guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar, and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar
were all negative. There are three 90-day
toxicity studies available for guar gums.
In one study, the LOAEL of guar gum in
a diet was 1% (equivalent to 580 mg/kg/
day) based on effects on body weight
gains, and dose related decrease in
kidney weights. The NOAEL was not
established in this study. In the second
study, no effects were observed in male
rats at doses up to 6% (equivalent to
3,000 mg/kg/day). In the third study in
rats, decreased in body weight gains,
decreased in food efficiency, increased
in blood urea nitrogen and thyroid
toxicity (males only) were observed at a
dietary concentration of 2 and 5%. The
NOAEL in this study was 1%
(equivalent to 500 mg/kg/day). No
adverse effects were reported in dogs
that were fed 0, 1, 5, or 10%
(approximately 0, 250, 1,250, or 2,500
mg/kg/day) of a precooked mixture of
guar and carob bean for 30 weeks. No
effects were observed in monkeys that
were fed 1 gram (equal to 10 mg/kg/day)
of guar flour for 2 months.
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Teratogenicity studies with guar gum in
mice, rats, and hamsters did not
indicate that guar gum is a teratogen; in
mice at doses up to 800 mg/kg/day, in
rats up to 900 mg/kg/day and in
hamsters up to 600 mg/kg/day. Male
and female Osborne-Mendel rats were
fed guar gum at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7. 5, or 15%
(approximately 0, 500, 1,000, 2,000,
3,750 or 7,500 mg/kg/day) in the diet for
13 weeks before mating, during mating,
and throughout gestation. No effects on
parental fertility, fetal development, sex
distribution, and no malformations of
the pups were observed. The NOAEL for
parental, developmental and
reproductive toxicity is 7,500 mg/kg/
day. No evidence of carcinogenicity was
found in male and female F344 rats and
B6C3F1 mice administered diets
containing 25,000 or 50,000 ppm
(approximately 3,570 or 7,140 mg/kg/
day) guar gum for 103 weeks. A
reduction in the mean body weight of
the higher dose females and of the feed
consumption was observed, as
compared with the controls. No
compound-related clinical signs of
adverse effects on survival were
observed. There was no increase in the
incidence of tumors that could be
related to the test substance.
Subchronic, reproductive and
developmental, and carcinogenicity
studies with guar gum showed no long
term, reproductive/developmental, or
carcinogenic effects. Overall, a low
toxicity profile is expected with both
carboxymethyl guar and carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar because of
likelihood of low absorption via any
route of exposure due to their high
molecular weights.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
Levels of Concern
Majority of the available studies
suggest that high levels of guars were
well tolerated by laboratory animals. In
the two 90-day toxicity studies, the
body weight gains appears to be
depressed at 500 mg/kg/day dose levels
and above, however, generally the food
consumption was not affected,
indicating low food conversion
efficiency. In a third 90-day toxicity
study in rats, no effect on body weight
was observed at doses up to 3,000 mg/
kg/day. No effect on the body weights
were observed in the reproduction study
in rats at doses up to 7,500 mg/kg/day.
In the carcinogenicity studies in mice
and rats by National Toxicology
Program (NTP) (1982), no adverse
effects were observed at doses up to
3,570 mg/kg/day. Based on their large
molecular weights, these two chemicals
are not expected to be significantly
absorbed via oral, dermal and inhalation
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44813
routes of exposure. This is further
supported by the animal toxicity studies
where no significant effects were
observed in a carcinogenicity studies in
mice and rats and reproduction study in
rats at doses up to and including 3,500
mg/kg/day. Based on the above weight
of evidence, no endpoint of concern was
identified, therefore, the Agency has
determined that a qualitative assessment
for all pathways of human exposure to
both carboxymethyl guar and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar
(food, drinking water, and residential) is
appropriate.
C. Aggregate Exposure
In examining aggregate exposure, the
Federal Food, Drug, And Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA) section 408 directs EPA to
consider available information
concerning exposures from the pesticide
residues 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 outdoor uses).
There are no residential uses proposed
at this time. No quantification of
aggregate exposure was performed
because no end point of concern was
identified in the available toxicity
studies.
1. Dietary and non-dietary exposure.
Carboxymethyl guar and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar are
slightly modified forms of guar gum, a
natural polymer which is an affirmed
GRAS substance of low toxicity.
Carboxymethyl guar and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar are
also structurally similar to
hydroxypropyl guar, another slightly
modified form of guar gum. EPA
reassessed the tolerance exemption for
hydroxypropyl guar in 2005 and
concluded that there is a reasonable
certainty of no harm to any population
subgroup that will result from aggregate
exposure to hydroxypropyl guar when
considering dietary exposure and all
other nonoccupational sources of
pesticide exposure for which there is
reliable information. Based on their
close structural relationship to guar gum
and hydroxypropyl guar, as well as their
high molecular weights and likelihood
of low absorption via any route of
exposure, both carboxymethyl guar and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar can
also be considered to be low toxicity
substances with a reasonable certainty
of no harm from dietary exposure and
all other nonoccupational sources of
exposure.
2. Cumulative effects from substances
with a common mechanism of toxicity.
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
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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.’’
Carboxymethyl guar and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar are
slightly modified form of guar gum, a
natural polymer that has been affirmed
as generally recognized as safe (GRAS)
substance of low toxicity.
Carboxymethyl guar and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar are
also structurally similar to
hydroxypropyl guar, another slightly
modified form of guar gum. They all
have same toxicity pattern but the exact
mode of action is not known. Therefore,
cumulative risk assessment was not
conducted. For information regarding
EPA’s efforts to determine which
chemicals have a common mechanism
of toxicity and to evaluate the
cumulative effects of such chemicals,
see EPA’s Web site at https://
www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and
Children
In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of
FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply
an additional tenfold (10X) 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 on toxicity
and exposure unless EPA determines
based on reliable data that a different
margin of safety will be safe for infants
and children. This additional margin of
safety is commonly referred to as the
Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA)
Safety Factor (SF). In applying this
provision, EPA either retains the default
value of 10X, or uses a different
additional safety factor when reliable
data available to EPA support the choice
of a different factor.
Carboxymethyl guar and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar are
slight modified forms of guar gum, a
natural polymer which is an affirmed
GRAS substance of low toxicity.
Carboxymethyl guar and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar gum
are also structurally similar to
hydroxypopyl guar, another slightly
modified form guar gum. According to
EPA’s 2005 tolerance exemption
reassessment document for
hydroxypropyl guar, it was concluded
that hydroxypropyl guar is a high
molecular weight polymer that is devoid
of reactive functional groups and which
is not absorbed by any route of human
exposure. Also teratogenicity studies
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with guar gum in mice, rats, and
hamsters did not indicate that guar gum
is a teratogen; in mice at doses up to 800
mg/kg/day, in rat up to 900 mg/kg/day
and in hamsters up to 600 mg/kg/day.
In addition, no effects on parental
fertility, fetal development, sex
distribution, and no malformations of
the pups were observed at doses up to
7,500 mg/kg/day in the one generation
reproduction study in rats. Based on the
structural similarities to guar gum and
hydroxyporpyl guar, as well as their
high molecular weights and low
likelihood of absorption via any route of
exposure, carboxymethyl guar and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar are
unlikely to elicit a toxic response in
infants and children when used as an
inert ingredient in pesticide products.
Available toxicity studies confirm this
belief and indicate low toxicity;
therefore, the Agency did not use a
safety factor analysis for assessing risk
and no additional safety factor is needed
for assessing risk to infants and
children.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
EPA expects aggregate exposure to
carboxymethyl guar gum sodium salt
and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar
residues to pose no appreciable risk to
human health given that they both are
a polymer with high molecular weight
that are devoid of reactive functional
groups and which are not absorbed by
any route of human exposure. Taking
into consideration all available
information on carboxymethyl guar gum
sodium salt and carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar, EPA has
determined that there is a reasonable
certainty that no harm to any population
subgroup, including infants and
children, will result from aggregate
exposure to carboxymethyl guar gum
sodium salt and carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar under reasonably
foreseeable circumstances. Therefore,
the establishment of an exemption from
a tolerance under 40 CFR 180. 920 for
residues of carboxymethyl guar gum
sodium salt and carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar when used as inert
ingredients in pesticide formulations
applied to growing crops under 40 CFR
180.920 is safe under FFDCA section
408.
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar in
or on any food commodities.
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA
seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with
international standards whenever
possible, consistent with U.S. food
safety standards and agricultural
practices. EPA considers the
international maximum residue limits
(MRLs) established by the Codex
Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as
required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).
The Codex Alimentarius is a joint U.N.
Food and Agriculture Organization/
World Health Organization food
standards program, and it is recognized
as an international food safety
standards-setting organization in trade
agreements to which the United States
is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance
that is different from a Codex MRL;
however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4)
requires that EPA explain the reasons
for departing from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established a MRL
for carboxymethyl guar gum sodium salt
and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar.
C. Response to Comments
Two comments, one for each notice of
filing were received from private
citizens who opposed the authorization
to sell any pesticide that leaves a
residue on food. The Agency
understands the commenter’s concerns
and recognizes that some individuals
believe that no residue of pesticides
should be allowed. However, under the
existing legal framework provided by
section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) EPA is
authorized to establish pesticide
tolerances or exemptions where persons
seeking such tolerances or exemptions
have demonstrated that the pesticide
meets the safety standard imposed by
the statute.
V. Other Considerations
VI. Conclusions
Therefore, an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance is established
under 40 CFR 180.920 for
carboxymethyl guar gum sodium salt
(CAS Reg. No. 39346–76–4) and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar
(CAS Reg. No. 68130–15–4); when used
as an inert ingredient (thicker/drift
reduction agent) in pesticide
formulations applied to growing crops
under 40 CFR 180.920.
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An analytical method is not required
for enforcement purposes since the
Agency is not establishing a numerical
tolerance for residue of carboxymethyl
guar gum sodium salt and
VII. 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
PO 00000
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 144 / Wednesday, July 27, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
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).
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).
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) (Pub. L.
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).
Inert ingredients
Limits
*
*
*
*
Carboxymethyl guar gum sodium salt (CAS Reg. No. 39346–76–4) ..............
*
Without limitation ................
*
*
Thicker/drift reduction agent.
*
*
*
*
Carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar (CAS Reg. No. 68130–15–4) ..................
*
Without limitation ................
*
*
Thicker/drift reduction agent.
*
*
*
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2010–0888; FRL–8875–5]
Chlorantraniliprole; Pesticide
Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
16:06 Jul 26, 2011
Jkt 223001
*
Frm 00055
Fmt 4700
Dated: July 12, 2011.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, 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. In § 180.920, the table is amended
by adding alphabetically the following
inert ingredients to read as follows:
■
§ 180.920. Inert ingredients used preharvest; exemptions from the requirement
of a tolerance.
*
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of
chlorantraniliprole in or on multiple
commodities which are identified and
discussed later in this document. This
regulation additionally amends
previously established tolerances in or
on multiple commodities and deletes
tolerances in or on several commodities
that will be superceded by inclusion in
crop group tolerances. E. I. du Pont de
Nemours and Company, DuPont Crop
Protection, requested these tolerances
under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
PO 00000
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
*
*
Sfmt 4700
*
*
Uses
*
SUMMARY:
[FR Doc. 2011–18588 Filed 7–26–11; 8:45 am]
VerDate Mar<15>2010
VIII. 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
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
*
*
This regulation is effective July
27, 2011. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
September 26, 2011, and must be filed
in accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also
Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION).
DATES:
EPA has established a
docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2010–0888. 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,
ADDRESSES:
E:\FR\FM\27JYR1.SGM
27JYR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 144 (Wednesday, July 27, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44811-44815]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-18588]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0531; FRL-8880-5]
Carboxymethyl Guar Gum Sodium Salt and Carboxymethyl-
Hydroxypropyl Guar; 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 carboxymethyl guar gum sodium salt (CAS
Reg. No. 39346-76-4) and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar (CAS Reg. No.
68130-15-4); when used as an inert ingredient (thicker/drift reduction
agent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops. SciReg Inc.,
on behalf of Rhodia Inc., submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation
eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for
residues of carboxymethyl guar gum sodium salt and carboxymethyl-
hydroxypropyl guar.
DATES: This regulation is effective July 27, 2011. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before September 26, 2011,
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-2011-0531 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: Alganesh Debesai, Registration
Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001; telephone number: (703) 308-8353; e-mail address:
debesai.alganesh@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.
[[Page 44812]]
B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?
You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR
part 180 through the Government Printing Office's e-CFR site at https://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 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. 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-2011-0531 in the subject line on the first
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must
be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before
September 26, 2011. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections
and hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
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. Information not marked confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2
may be disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice. Submit a copy of
your non-CBI objection or hearing request, identified by docket ID
number EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0531, by one of the following methods:
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. Petition for Exemption
In the Federal Register of February 4, 2011 (76 FR 6467) (FRL-8858-
7), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408 of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C.
346a, announcing the filing of a pesticide petitions (PP 0E7784) under
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0878 and (PP 0E7803) under docket ID
number EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-1019 by SciReg Inc., on behalf of Rhodia Inc.,
12733 Director's Loop, Woodbridge VA 22192. The petitions requested
that 40 CFR 180.920 be amended by establishing an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance for residues of carboxymethyl guar gum
sodium salt (CAS Reg. No. 39346-76-4) and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl
guar (CAS Reg. No. 68130-15-4); when used as an inert ingredients
(thicker/drift reduction agent) in pesticide formulations applied to
growing crops. Those notices referenced a summary of the petitions
prepared by SciReg Inc., on behalf of Rhodia Inc., the petitioner,
which is available in the docket, https://www.regulations.gov. Comments
were received on both notices of filing. EPA's response to these
comments is discussed in Unit V.C.
III. Inert Ingredient Definition
Inert ingredients are all ingredients that are not active
ingredients as defined in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are not
limited to, the following types of ingredients (except when they have a
pesticidal efficacy of their own): Solvents such as alcohols and
hydrocarbons; surfactants such as polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty
acids; carriers such as clay and diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as
carrageenan and modified cellulose; wetting, spreading, and dispersing
agents; propellants in aerosol dispensers; microencapsulating agents;
and emulsifiers. The term ``inert'' is not intended to imply
nontoxicity; the ingredient may or may not be chemically active.
Generally, EPA has exempted inert ingredients from the requirement of a
tolerance based on the low toxicity of the individual inert
ingredients.
IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
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 tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 408(b)(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. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires 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. * * *''
EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only
in those cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably
foreseeable circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human
health. In order to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to
pesticide inert ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the
inert in conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert
ingredient through food, drinking water, and through other exposures
that occur as a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA
is able to determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure
that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from
aggregate exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance may be established.
Consistent with section 408(c)(2)(A) of FFDCA, and the factors
specified in FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), EPA has reviewed the available
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a
determination on aggregate exposure of carboxymethyl guar gum sodium
and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar including exposure resulting from
the exemption established by this action. EPA's assessment of exposures
and risks associated with carboxymethyl guar gum sodium and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered their
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of
the results of the studies 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. Specific information on the studies received and the nature
of the adverse effects caused by carboxymethyl guar gum sodium and
[[Page 44813]]
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar as well as the no-observed-adverse-
effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level
(LOAEL) from the toxicity studies are discussed in this unit.
The following provides a brief summary for the risk assessment and
conclusions for the Agency's review for the guar gums, which include
carboxymethyl guar gum sodium and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar. The
Agency's full decision document for this action is available in the
Agency's electronic docket (regulations.gov) under the docket number
EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0531. Based upon the structural similarities between
carboxymethyl guar gum, carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar, guar gum, and
hydroxypropyl guar, the risk assessment for carboxymethyl guar and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar relies upon available data on all four
substances.
Acute oral toxicity studies conducted with guar, hydroxypropyl
guar, and carboxymethyl guar resulted in oral LD50 values
ranging from 7,060 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg bw) to
17,800 mg/kg bw. Dermal irritation studies conducted with guar,
hydroxypropyl guar, and carboxymethyl guar resulted in no irritation to
slight irritation. Eye irritation studies conducted with guar,
hydroxypropyl guar, and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar demonstrated a
range of results from non-irritation to severe irritation. Results of
skin sensitization and mutagenicity studies performed with guar gum,
hydroxypropyl guar, and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar were all
negative. There are three 90-day toxicity studies available for guar
gums. In one study, the LOAEL of guar gum in a diet was 1% (equivalent
to 580 mg/kg/day) based on effects on body weight gains, and dose
related decrease in kidney weights. The NOAEL was not established in
this study. In the second study, no effects were observed in male rats
at doses up to 6% (equivalent to 3,000 mg/kg/day). In the third study
in rats, decreased in body weight gains, decreased in food efficiency,
increased in blood urea nitrogen and thyroid toxicity (males only) were
observed at a dietary concentration of 2 and 5%. The NOAEL in this
study was 1% (equivalent to 500 mg/kg/day). No adverse effects were
reported in dogs that were fed 0, 1, 5, or 10% (approximately 0, 250,
1,250, or 2,500 mg/kg/day) of a precooked mixture of guar and carob
bean for 30 weeks. No effects were observed in monkeys that were fed 1
gram (equal to 10 mg/kg/day) of guar flour for 2 months. Teratogenicity
studies with guar gum in mice, rats, and hamsters did not indicate that
guar gum is a teratogen; in mice at doses up to 800 mg/kg/day, in rats
up to 900 mg/kg/day and in hamsters up to 600 mg/kg/day. Male and
female Osborne-Mendel rats were fed guar gum at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7. 5, or
15% (approximately 0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,750 or 7,500 mg/kg/day) in
the diet for 13 weeks before mating, during mating, and throughout
gestation. No effects on parental fertility, fetal development, sex
distribution, and no malformations of the pups were observed. The NOAEL
for parental, developmental and reproductive toxicity is 7,500 mg/kg/
day. No evidence of carcinogenicity was found in male and female F344
rats and B6C3F1 mice administered diets containing 25,000 or 50,000 ppm
(approximately 3,570 or 7,140 mg/kg/day) guar gum for 103 weeks. A
reduction in the mean body weight of the higher dose females and of the
feed consumption was observed, as compared with the controls. No
compound-related clinical signs of adverse effects on survival were
observed. There was no increase in the incidence of tumors that could
be related to the test substance.
Subchronic, reproductive and developmental, and carcinogenicity
studies with guar gum showed no long term, reproductive/developmental,
or carcinogenic effects. Overall, a low toxicity profile is expected
with both carboxymethyl guar and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar
because of likelihood of low absorption via any route of exposure due
to their high molecular weights.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern
Majority of the available studies suggest that high levels of guars
were well tolerated by laboratory animals. In the two 90-day toxicity
studies, the body weight gains appears to be depressed at 500 mg/kg/day
dose levels and above, however, generally the food consumption was not
affected, indicating low food conversion efficiency. In a third 90-day
toxicity study in rats, no effect on body weight was observed at doses
up to 3,000 mg/kg/day. No effect on the body weights were observed in
the reproduction study in rats at doses up to 7,500 mg/kg/day. In the
carcinogenicity studies in mice and rats by National Toxicology Program
(NTP) (1982), no adverse effects were observed at doses up to 3,570 mg/
kg/day. Based on their large molecular weights, these two chemicals are
not expected to be significantly absorbed via oral, dermal and
inhalation routes of exposure. This is further supported by the animal
toxicity studies where no significant effects were observed in a
carcinogenicity studies in mice and rats and reproduction study in rats
at doses up to and including 3,500 mg/kg/day. Based on the above weight
of evidence, no endpoint of concern was identified, therefore, the
Agency has determined that a qualitative assessment for all pathways of
human exposure to both carboxymethyl guar and carboxymethyl-
hydroxypropyl guar (food, drinking water, and residential) is
appropriate.
C. Aggregate Exposure
In examining aggregate exposure, the Federal Food, Drug, And
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) section 408 directs EPA to consider available
information concerning exposures from the pesticide residues 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 outdoor uses). There are
no residential uses proposed at this time. No quantification of
aggregate exposure was performed because no end point of concern was
identified in the available toxicity studies.
1. Dietary and non-dietary exposure. Carboxymethyl guar and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar are slightly modified forms of guar
gum, a natural polymer which is an affirmed GRAS substance of low
toxicity. Carboxymethyl guar and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar are
also structurally similar to hydroxypropyl guar, another slightly
modified form of guar gum. EPA reassessed the tolerance exemption for
hydroxypropyl guar in 2005 and concluded that there is a reasonable
certainty of no harm to any population subgroup that will result from
aggregate exposure to hydroxypropyl guar when considering dietary
exposure and all other nonoccupational sources of pesticide exposure
for which there is reliable information. Based on their close
structural relationship to guar gum and hydroxypropyl guar, as well as
their high molecular weights and likelihood of low absorption via any
route of exposure, both carboxymethyl guar and carboxymethyl-
hydroxypropyl guar can also be considered to be low toxicity substances
with a reasonable certainty of no harm from dietary exposure and all
other nonoccupational sources of exposure.
2. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
[[Page 44814]]
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.''
Carboxymethyl guar and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar are
slightly modified form of guar gum, a natural polymer that has been
affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substance of low
toxicity. Carboxymethyl guar and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar are
also structurally similar to hydroxypropyl guar, another slightly
modified form of guar gum. They all have same toxicity pattern but the
exact mode of action is not known. Therefore, cumulative risk
assessment was not conducted. For information regarding EPA's efforts
to determine which chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to
evaluate the cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's Web site
at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children
In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA shall
apply an additional tenfold (10X) 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 on toxicity and
exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a different
margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This additional
margin of safety is commonly referred to as the Food Quality Protection
Act (FQPA) Safety Factor (SF). In applying this provision, EPA either
retains the default value of 10X, or uses a different additional safety
factor when reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a
different factor.
Carboxymethyl guar and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar are slight
modified forms of guar gum, a natural polymer which is an affirmed GRAS
substance of low toxicity. Carboxymethyl guar and carboxymethyl-
hydroxypropyl guar gum are also structurally similar to hydroxypopyl
guar, another slightly modified form guar gum. According to EPA's 2005
tolerance exemption reassessment document for hydroxypropyl guar, it
was concluded that hydroxypropyl guar is a high molecular weight
polymer that is devoid of reactive functional groups and which is not
absorbed by any route of human exposure. Also teratogenicity studies
with guar gum in mice, rats, and hamsters did not indicate that guar
gum is a teratogen; in mice at doses up to 800 mg/kg/day, in rat up to
900 mg/kg/day and in hamsters up to 600 mg/kg/day. In addition, no
effects on parental fertility, fetal development, sex distribution, and
no malformations of the pups were observed at doses up to 7,500 mg/kg/
day in the one generation reproduction study in rats. Based on the
structural similarities to guar gum and hydroxyporpyl guar, as well as
their high molecular weights and low likelihood of absorption via any
route of exposure, carboxymethyl guar and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl
guar are unlikely to elicit a toxic response in infants and children
when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide products. Available
toxicity studies confirm this belief and indicate low toxicity;
therefore, the Agency did not use a safety factor analysis for
assessing risk and no additional safety factor is needed for assessing
risk to infants and children.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
EPA expects aggregate exposure to carboxymethyl guar gum sodium
salt and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar residues to pose no
appreciable risk to human health given that they both are a polymer
with high molecular weight that are devoid of reactive functional
groups and which are not absorbed by any route of human exposure.
Taking into consideration all available information on carboxymethyl
guar gum sodium salt and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar, EPA has
determined that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm to any
population subgroup, including infants and children, will result from
aggregate exposure to carboxymethyl guar gum sodium salt and
carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar under reasonably foreseeable
circumstances. Therefore, the establishment of an exemption from a
tolerance under 40 CFR 180. 920 for residues of carboxymethyl guar gum
sodium salt and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar when used as inert
ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops under 40
CFR 180.920 is safe under FFDCA section 408.
V. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since
the Agency is not establishing a numerical tolerance for residue of
carboxymethyl guar gum sodium salt and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar
in or on any food commodities.
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S.
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint U.N. Food and
Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food standards
program, and it is recognized as an international food safety
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established a MRL for carboxymethyl guar gum
sodium salt and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar.
C. Response to Comments
Two comments, one for each notice of filing were received from
private citizens who opposed the authorization to sell any pesticide
that leaves a residue on food. The Agency understands the commenter's
concerns and recognizes that some individuals believe that no residue
of pesticides should be allowed. However, under the existing legal
framework provided by section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) EPA is authorized to establish pesticide
tolerances or exemptions where persons seeking such tolerances or
exemptions have demonstrated that the pesticide meets the safety
standard imposed by the statute.
VI. Conclusions
Therefore, an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is
established under 40 CFR 180.920 for carboxymethyl guar gum sodium salt
(CAS Reg. No. 39346-76-4) and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar (CAS
Reg. No. 68130-15-4); when used as an inert ingredient (thicker/drift
reduction agent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops
under 40 CFR 180.920.
VII. 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
[[Page 44815]]
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).
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) (Pub. L. 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).
VIII. 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: July 12, 2011.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
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. In Sec. 180.920, the table is amended by adding alphabetically the
following inert ingredients to read as follows:
Sec. 180.920. Inert ingredients used pre-harvest; exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance.
* * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inert ingredients Limits Uses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
Carboxymethyl guar gum sodium Without limitation................ Thicker/drift reduction agent.
salt (CAS Reg. No. 39346-76-
4).
* * * * * * *
Carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl Without limitation................ Thicker/drift reduction agent.
guar (CAS Reg. No. 68130-15-
4).
* * * * * * *
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[FR Doc. 2011-18588 Filed 7-26-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P