Pyriofenone; Pesticide Tolerances, 13502-13506 [2012-5271]
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 45 / Wednesday, March 7, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
E. Executive Order 13045: Protection of
Children From Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks; Executive Order
13211: Actions Concerning Regulations
That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use; and Executive
Order 12898: Federal Actions To
Address Environmental Justice in
Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations
As indicated previously, this action is
not a ‘‘regulatory action’’ as defined by
Executive Order 12866. As a result, this
action is not subject to Executive Order
13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997) and
Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355,
May 22, 2001). In addition, this order
also does not require any special
considerations under Executive Order
12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
Corporation requested these tolerances
under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
March 7, 2012. Objections and requests
for hearings must be received on or
before May 7, 2012, and must be filed
in accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also
Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION).
[FR Doc. 2012–5383 Filed 3–6–12; 8:45 am]
EPA has established a
docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2010–0659. 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:
Heather Garvie, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
(703) 308–0034; email address:
garvie.heather@epa.gov.
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
F. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act
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
(NTTAA), (15 U.S.C. 272 note). The
Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801
et seq. does not apply because this
action is not a rule as that term is
defined in 5 U.S.C. 804(3).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Fenamiphos,
Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: February 24, 2012.
Richard P. Keigwin, Jr.,
Director, Pesticide Re-evaluation Division,
Office of Pesticide Programs.
ADDRESSES:
I. General Information
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
A. Does this action apply to me?
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2010–0659; FRL–9336–6]
Pyriofenone; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
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AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of pyriofenone,
(5-chloro-2-methoxy-4-methyl-3pyridinyl)(2,3,4-trimethoxy-6methylphenyl) methanone, including its
metabolites and degradates, in or on
grape and grape, raisin. ISK BioSciences
SUMMARY:
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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 those engaged in the
following activities:
• 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 to provide a guide
for readers regarding entities likely to be
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affected by this action. Other types of
entities not listed in this unit could also
be affected. The North American
Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes have been provided to
assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to
certain entities. If you have any
questions regarding the applicability of
this action to a particular entity, consult
the person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of EPA’s tolerance
regulations at 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–2010–0659 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 May 7, 2012. 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–2010–0659, 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.
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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.
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II. Summary of Petitioned-For
Tolerance
In the Federal Register of September
8, 2010 (75 FR 54629) (FRL–8843–3),
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 petition (PP 0E7731) by ISK
BioSciences Corporation, 7470 Auburn
Rd., Suite A, Concord, OH 44077. The
petition requested that 40 CFR part 180
be amended by establishing a tolerance
for residues of the fungicide
pyriofenone (5-chloro-2-methoxy-4methyl-3-pyridinyl)(2,3,4-trimethoxy-6methylphenyl) methanone, in or on
grape at 0.2 parts per million (ppm).
That notice referenced a summary of
the petition prepared by ISK
BioSciences Corporation, the registrant,
which is available in the docket,
https://www.regulations.gov.
There were no comments received in
response to the notice of filing. Based
upon review of the data supporting the
petition, EPA has modified the
petitioned for tolerance for pyriofenone
by increasing the tolerance level for
grape and establishing a separate
tolerance for grape, raisin. The reasons
for these changes are explained in Unit
IV.D.
These are the first tolerances
established for pyriofenone. There are
no registered uses for pyriofenone in the
United States. The tolerances were
requested in connection with use of
pyriofenone on grapes grown overseas.
These tolerances will allow grapes and
processed grape commodities
containing pyriofenone residues to be
imported to the United States.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
allows EPA to establish 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
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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 * * *.’’
Consistent with FFDCA section
408(b)(2)(D), and the factors specified in
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), 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 for pyriofenone
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with pyriofenone follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available
toxicity data and considered its 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. The liver and
kidney were affected by treatment with
pyriofenone, and although more effects
were noted with increasing duration of
exposure, effects were generally not
severe. These effects included increased
liver weight, microscopic changes, and
clinical chemistry changes in rats, mice,
and/or dogs. Kidney effects included
increased organ weight, microscopic
changes, and clinical chemistry changes
in rats and mice and an increased
incidence of chronic nephropathy in
rats. Clinical signs included vomiting
and loose stools in dogs and peri-genital
staining in mice. Also noted were skin
changes in the 2-year rat study (atrophy
of hair follicles or perifolliculitis) and
increased cecal weight or distended
cecum in rat studies. Mutagenicity and
carcinogenicity testing was negative and
the cancer classification for pyriofenone
is ‘‘not likely to be carcinogenic to
humans’’ and therefore there is no
cancer risk associated with exposure to
pyriofenone.
No developmental or reproductive
toxicity occurred in the rat studies.
Abortions were noted in the rabbit
developmental study and were
associated with decreased maternal
body weight gain and food
consumption. There was no evidence of
neurotoxicity and a developmental
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neurotoxicity study is not needed for
pyriofenone. Immunotoxicity testing in
rats and mice was negative. Pyriofenone
has a low acute toxicity by the oral
exposure route. Dermal toxicity,
inhalation toxicity, and ocular irritation
studies are not available because these
exposure routes are not applicable to
non-domestic uses. Specific information
on the studies received and the nature
of the adverse effects caused by
pyriofenone as well as the no-observedadverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the
lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level
(LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can
be found at https://www.regulations.gov
in document ‘‘Pyriofenone. HumanHealth Risk Assessment for the
Establishment of Tolerances for
Pyriofenone Fungicide in/on Imported
Grapes,’’ dated November 1, 2011 at pp.
16–30 in docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2010–0659.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide’s toxicological
profile is determined, EPA identifies
toxicological points of departure (POD)
and levels of concern to use in
evaluating the risk posed by human
exposure to the pesticide. For hazards
that have a threshold below which there
is no appreciable risk, the toxicological
POD is used as the basis for derivation
of reference values for risk assessment.
PODs are developed based on a careful
analysis of the doses in each
toxicological study to determine the
dose at which no adverse effects are
observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest
dose at which adverse effects of concern
are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/
safety factors are used in conjunction
with the POD to calculate a safe
exposure level—generally referred to as
a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a
reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin
of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold
risks, the Agency assumes that any
amount of exposure will lead to some
degree of risk. Thus, the Agency
estimates risk in terms of the probability
of an occurrence of the adverse effect
expected in a lifetime. For more
information on the general principles
EPA uses in risk characterization and a
complete description of the risk
assessment process, see https://
www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/
riskassess.htm. A summary of the
toxicological endpoints for used for
human risk assessment is shown in the
Table of this unit.
In risk assessments for import
commodities, endpoints are typically
selected for dietary exposure only.
Endpoints for incidental oral, dermal,
and inhalation exposures are not
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selected for import tolerances due to
lack of potential occupational or
residential exposure. No adverse effects
attributable to a single exposure were
identified for pyriofenone; therefore, an
acute dietary endpoint was not selected
for pyriofenone.
Consideration was given to selecting
abortions/premature delivery from the
rabbit developmental study as an
endpoint for assessing acute dietary
risk. Typically, abortions observed early
in the pregnancy in a developmental
toxicity study are assumed to be
attributable to a single exposure and
thus appropriate for acute dietary risk
assessment.
In the rabbit developmental toxicity
study, abortions occurred in 2 does on
gestation day 18 at the highest dose
tested (300 milligram/kilogram/day (mg/
kg/day). In this case the abortions were
determined not to be attributable to a
single exposure since the abortions
occurred late in gestation (GD 18) and
prior to which both does had
significantly lower-food consumption
resulting in lower body weight or body
weight gain. In the range-finding study,
abortions and premature delivery seen
in 2 does also showed an association to
the lower body weight and food
consumption. Thus, the potential
nutrient deficiency and maternal
toxicity resulting from loss in body
weight and lower food consumption
were assumed to result in the abortions/
premature delivery rather than the test
compound.
For the chronic dietary risk
assessment, a NOAEL of 9 mg/kg/day
was selected based on the increased
incidence of chronic nephropathy seen
in female rats at 46 mg/kg/day (LOAEL)
in the 2-year carcinogenicity study.
Typically, chronic nephropathy occurs
as spontaneous lesions in geriatric rats
and in some cases, exposure to a
chemical may exacerbate this kidney
lesion. In this case, however, chronic
nephropathy was considered to be
adverse because the incidences of this
lesion was significantly increased in
females at 46 mg/kg/day (30/35) and
also at the next higher dose of 254 mg/
kg/day (36/45, p<0.005). In the chronic
study with dogs, the effects (e.g.,
clinical signs, alterations in clinical
pathology, organ weights, or
histopathology) were determined to be
not adverse since the findings were
isolated, highly variable, and/or there
was a lack of dose-response or a clear
target organ for toxicity.
TABLE—SUMMARY OF TOXICOLOGICAL DOSES AND ENDPOINTS FOR PYRIOFENONE FOR USE IN HUMAN HEALTH RISK
ASSESSMENT
Exposure/scenario
Point of departure and uncertainty/safety factors
RfD, PAD, LOC for risk
assessment
Study and toxicological
effects
Acute dietary ............................
An acute dietary endpoint was not selected because toxicity from a single dose was not identified in the hazard
database.
Chronic dietary (All populations).
NOAEL= 9 mg/kg/day ............
UFA = 10x
UFH = 10x
FQPA SF = 1x
Cancer (Oral, dermal, inhalation).
Classification: ‘‘Not likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans’’.
Chronic RfD = 0.09 ................
mg/kg/day
cPAD = 0.09
mg/kg/day
Chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity study—rat
NOAEL = 9 mg/kg/day based on increased
nephropathy seen in female rats at LOAEL
= 46 mg/kg/day.
FQPA SF = FQPA Safety Factor. LOAEL = lowest observed adverse effect level.
LOC = Level of Concern. mg/kg/day = milligram/kilogram/day. NOAEL = no observed adverse effect level. PAD = population adjusted dose (a
= acute, c = chronic). RfD = reference dose. UFA = extrapolation from animal to human (intraspecies). UFH = potential variation in sensitivity
among members of the human population (interspecies).
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Specific information on the
toxicological endpoints for pyriofenone
can be found at https://
www.regulations.gov in document
‘‘Pyriofenone. Human-Health Risk
Assessment for the Establishment of
Tolerances for Pyriofenone Fungicide
in/on Imported Grapes,’’ dated
November 1, 2011 at pp.16–30 in docket
ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–2010–0659.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to pyriofenone, EPA
considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances. EPA assessed
dietary exposures from pyriofenone in
food as follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute
dietary exposure and risk assessments
are performed for a food-use pesticide,
if a toxicological study has indicated the
possibility of an effect of concern
occurring as a result of a 1-day or single
exposure. No such effects were
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identified in the toxicological studies
for pyriofenone; therefore, a quantitative
acute dietary exposure assessment is
unnecessary.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
EPA used the food consumption data
from the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) 1994–1996 and
1998 Nationwide Continuing Surveys of
Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII). As
to residue levels in food, EPA
conducted an unrefined, screening-level
chronic dietary risk assessment
assuming tolerance level residues for
grapes, raisins, and all other processed
grape commodities; and 100% of all
grapes are treated with pyriofenone.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data
summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that pyriofenone does not
pose a cancer risk to humans. Therefore,
a dietary exposure assessment for the
purpose of assessing cancer risk is
unnecessary.
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iv. Anticipated residue and percent
crop treated (PCT) information. EPA did
not use anticipated residue information
in the dietary assessment for
pyriofenone. Tolerance level residues
and/or 100 PCT were assumed for all
food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. Pyriofenone is not registered for
use in the United States; therefore,
exposure to pyriofenone in drinking
water is not expected.
3. From non-dietary exposure. The
term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in
this document to refer to nonoccupational, non-dietary exposure
(e.g., for lawn and garden pest control,
indoor pest control, termiticides, and
flea and tick control on pets).
Pyriofenone is not registered for any
specific use patterns that would result
in residential exposure.
4. Cumulative effects from substances
with a common mechanism of toxicity.
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
requires that, when considering whether
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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.’’
EPA has not found pyriofenone to
share a common mechanism of toxicity
with any other substances, and
pyriofenone does not appear to produce
a toxic metabolite produced by other
substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance assessment action, therefore,
EPA has not assumed that pyriofenone
has a common mechanism of toxicity
with other substances. 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 the policy statements
released by EPA’s OPP concerning
common mechanism determinations
and procedures for cumulating effects
from substances found to have a
common mechanism on EPA’s Web site
at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/
cumulative.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and
Children
1. 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
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.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.
The toxicological database for
pyriofenone is complete with regard to
pre- and postnatal toxicity, and there are
no residual uncertainties. As the data
summarized in Unit III.A. showed,
pyriofenone exposure did not result in
quantitative or qualitative increased
sensitivity in the young.
3. Conclusion. EPA has determined
that reliable data show the safety of
infants and children would be
adequately protected if the FQPA SF
were reduced to 1x. That decision is
based on the following findings:
i. The toxicity database for
pyriofenone is complete.
ii. There is no indication that
pyriofenone is a neurotoxic chemical
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and there is no need for a
developmental neurotoxicity study or
additional uncertainty factors (UFs) to
account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that
pyriofenone results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits
in the prenatal developmental studies or
in young rats in the 2-generation
reproduction study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
The dietary food exposure assessment
was performed based on the
assumptions of 100 PCT and tolerancelevel residues. This assessment will not
underestimate the exposure and risks
posed by pyriofenone.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
EPA determines whether acute and
chronic dietary pesticide exposures are
safe by comparing aggregate exposure
estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and
chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer
risks, EPA calculates the lifetime
probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-,
intermediate-, and chronic-term risks
are evaluated by comparing the
estimated aggregate food, water, and
residential exposure to the appropriate
PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE
exists. For this action there is potential
exposure to pyriofenone from food only.
1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk
assessment takes into account acute
exposure estimates from dietary
consumption of food and drinking
water. No adverse effect resulting from
a single oral exposure was identified
and no acute dietary endpoint was
selected. Therefore, pyriofenone is not
expected to pose an acute risk.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this unit for
chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
that chronic exposure to pyriofenone
from food only will utilize 1% of the
cPAD for children (1–2 years old), the
population group receiving the greatest
exposure. There are no residential uses
for pyriofenone. Based on the
explanation in Unit III.C.3., regarding
residential use patterns, chronic
residential exposure to residues of
pyriofenone is not expected.
3. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two
adequate rodent carcinogenicity studies,
pyriofenone is classified as ‘‘not likely
to be carcinogenic to humans.’’ EPA
does not expect pyriofenone to pose a
cancer risk.
4. Determination of safety. Based on
these risk assessments, EPA concludes
that there is a reasonable certainty that
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no harm will result to the general
population, or to infants and children
from aggregate exposure to pyriofenone
residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
A liquid chromatography/mass
spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/
MS/MS) method based on the proposed
enforcement method (Method ISK 0341/
074208, Revision #4) was used to
determine residues of pyriofenone in or
on grapes (Raw Agricultural Commodity
(RAC)) and its processed fractions for
the crop field trial and grape processing
studies associated with this petition.
The validated limit of quantitation
(LOQ) is 0.01 ppm. This method was
adequately validated for data collection
purposes and a successful independent
laboratory validation study was
conducted. Therefore, the LC/MS/MS
method is acceptable for use as an
enforcement method.
The method may be requested from:
Chief, Analytical Chemistry Branch,
Environmental Science Center, 701
Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755–5350;
telephone number: (410) 305–2905;
email address:
residuemethods@epa.gov.
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
United Nations 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 MRL.
The Codex has not established a MRL
for pyriofenone. However, review of this
tolerance on imported grapes is being
conducted with Canada, and the U.S.
and Canada are harmonized on the
residue definition and recommended
tolerances.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For
Tolerances
The tolerance level for grape being
established by EPA differs from that
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 45 / Wednesday, March 7, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
proposed in the tolerance petition
submitted by the ISK Biosciences
Corporation. The Agency used the
Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development tolerance calculation
procedures to determine that the
tolerance level of 0.30 ppm is needed.
The petitioner did not propose a
separate tolerance for grape, raisin, but
processing studies showed that residues
could concentrate, necessitating a
higher tolerance of 0.50 ppm. Finally,
EPA has revised the tolerance
expression to clarify that:
1. As provided in FFDCA section
408(a)(3), the tolerance covers
metabolites and degradates of
pyriofenone not specifically mentioned.
2. Compliance with the specified
tolerance levels is to be determined by
measuring only the specific compounds
mentioned in the tolerance expression.
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with RULES
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
(without U.S. registrations) for residues
of the fungicide, pyriofenone, including
its metabolites and degradates, in or on
grape at 0.30 ppm and grape, raisin at
0.50 ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This final rule establishes tolerances
under FFDCA 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). Since tolerances and exemptions
that are established on the basis of a
petition under FFDCA section 408(d),
such as the tolerance in this final rule,
do not require the issuance of a
proposed rule, the requirements of the
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:19 Mar 06, 2012
Jkt 226001
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 FFDCA section 408(n)(4). 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).
VII. Congressional Review Act
Dated: February 17, 2012.
Steven Bradbury,
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 180.660 is added to subpart
C to read as follows:
■
§ 180.660 Pyriofenone; tolerances for
residues.
(a) General. Tolerances are
established for residues of the fungicide
pyriofenone, including its metabolites
and degradates, in or on the following
commodities listed in the table.
Compliance with the tolerance levels
specified in the table is to be
determined by measuring only
pyriofenone, (5-chloro-2-methoxy-4methyl-3-pyridinyl)(2,3,4-trimethoxy-6methylphenyl) methanone, in or on the
following commodities:
Commodity
Parts per
million
Grape 1 ..........................................
Grape, raisin 1 ...............................
0.30
0.50
1 There are no U.S. registrations for grape
and grape, raisin.
(b) Section 18 emergency exemptions.
[Reserved]
(c) Tolerances with regional
registrations. [Reserved]
(d) Indirect or inadvertent residues.
[Reserved]
[FR Doc. 2012–5271 Filed 3–6–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 721
[EPA–HQ–OPPT–2011–0108; FRL–9339–8]
RIN 2070–AB27
Modification of Significant New Uses
of Tris Carbamoyl Triazine; Technical
Correction
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule; technical correction.
AGENCY:
EPA issued a final rule in the
Federal Register of February 8, 2012
concerning the modification of
significant new uses of the chemical
substance identified generically as tris
carbamoyl triazine, which was the
subject of premanufacture notice (PMN)
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\07MRR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 7, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13502-13506]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-5271]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0659; FRL-9336-6]
Pyriofenone; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of
pyriofenone, (5-chloro-2-methoxy-4-methyl-3-pyridinyl)(2,3,4-
trimethoxy-6-methylphenyl) methanone, including its metabolites and
degradates, in or on grape and grape, raisin. ISK BioSciences
Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective March 7, 2012. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before May 7, 2012, 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-2010-0659. 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: Heather Garvie, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (703) 308-0034; email address: garvie.heather@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 those
engaged in the following activities:
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 to
provide a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by
this action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also
be affected. The North American Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes have been provided to assist you and others in
determining whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you
have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a
particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?
You may access a frequently updated electronic version of EPA's
tolerance regulations at 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-2010-0659 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
May 7, 2012. 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-2010-0659, 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.
[[Page 13503]]
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. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance
In the Federal Register of September 8, 2010 (75 FR 54629) (FRL-
8843-3), 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 petition (PP
0E7731) by ISK BioSciences Corporation, 7470 Auburn Rd., Suite A,
Concord, OH 44077. The petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be
amended by establishing a tolerance for residues of the fungicide
pyriofenone (5-chloro-2-methoxy-4-methyl-3-pyridinyl)(2,3,4-trimethoxy-
6-methylphenyl) methanone, in or on grape at 0.2 parts per million
(ppm).
That notice referenced a summary of the petition prepared by ISK
BioSciences Corporation, the registrant, which is available in the
docket, https://www.regulations.gov.
There were no comments received in response to the notice of
filing. Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has
modified the petitioned for tolerance for pyriofenone by increasing the
tolerance level for grape and establishing a separate tolerance for
grape, raisin. The reasons for these changes are explained in Unit
IV.D.
These are the first tolerances established for pyriofenone. There
are no registered uses for pyriofenone in the United States. The
tolerances were requested in connection with use of pyriofenone on
grapes grown overseas. These tolerances will allow grapes and processed
grape commodities containing pyriofenone residues to be imported to the
United States.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish 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 * *
*.''
Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors
specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), 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 for pyriofenone including exposure
resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA's
assessment of exposures and risks associated with pyriofenone follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its
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. The liver and kidney were affected by treatment with
pyriofenone, and although more effects were noted with increasing
duration of exposure, effects were generally not severe. These effects
included increased liver weight, microscopic changes, and clinical
chemistry changes in rats, mice, and/or dogs. Kidney effects included
increased organ weight, microscopic changes, and clinical chemistry
changes in rats and mice and an increased incidence of chronic
nephropathy in rats. Clinical signs included vomiting and loose stools
in dogs and peri-genital staining in mice. Also noted were skin changes
in the 2-year rat study (atrophy of hair follicles or perifolliculitis)
and increased cecal weight or distended cecum in rat studies.
Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity testing was negative and the cancer
classification for pyriofenone is ``not likely to be carcinogenic to
humans'' and therefore there is no cancer risk associated with exposure
to pyriofenone.
No developmental or reproductive toxicity occurred in the rat
studies. Abortions were noted in the rabbit developmental study and
were associated with decreased maternal body weight gain and food
consumption. There was no evidence of neurotoxicity and a developmental
neurotoxicity study is not needed for pyriofenone. Immunotoxicity
testing in rats and mice was negative. Pyriofenone has a low acute
toxicity by the oral exposure route. Dermal toxicity, inhalation
toxicity, and ocular irritation studies are not available because these
exposure routes are not applicable to non-domestic uses. Specific
information on the studies received and the nature of the adverse
effects caused by pyriofenone as well as the no-observed-adverse-
effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level
(LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in document ``Pyriofenone. Human-Health Risk
Assessment for the Establishment of Tolerances for Pyriofenone
Fungicide in/on Imported Grapes,'' dated November 1, 2011 at pp. 16-30
in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0659.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL)
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete
description of the risk assessment process, see https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm. A summary of the toxicological
endpoints for used for human risk assessment is shown in the Table of
this unit.
In risk assessments for import commodities, endpoints are typically
selected for dietary exposure only. Endpoints for incidental oral,
dermal, and inhalation exposures are not
[[Page 13504]]
selected for import tolerances due to lack of potential occupational or
residential exposure. No adverse effects attributable to a single
exposure were identified for pyriofenone; therefore, an acute dietary
endpoint was not selected for pyriofenone.
Consideration was given to selecting abortions/premature delivery
from the rabbit developmental study as an endpoint for assessing acute
dietary risk. Typically, abortions observed early in the pregnancy in a
developmental toxicity study are assumed to be attributable to a single
exposure and thus appropriate for acute dietary risk assessment.
In the rabbit developmental toxicity study, abortions occurred in 2
does on gestation day 18 at the highest dose tested (300 milligram/
kilogram/day (mg/kg/day). In this case the abortions were determined
not to be attributable to a single exposure since the abortions
occurred late in gestation (GD 18) and prior to which both does had
significantly lower-food consumption resulting in lower body weight or
body weight gain. In the range-finding study, abortions and premature
delivery seen in 2 does also showed an association to the lower body
weight and food consumption. Thus, the potential nutrient deficiency
and maternal toxicity resulting from loss in body weight and lower food
consumption were assumed to result in the abortions/premature delivery
rather than the test compound.
For the chronic dietary risk assessment, a NOAEL of 9 mg/kg/day was
selected based on the increased incidence of chronic nephropathy seen
in female rats at 46 mg/kg/day (LOAEL) in the 2-year carcinogenicity
study. Typically, chronic nephropathy occurs as spontaneous lesions in
geriatric rats and in some cases, exposure to a chemical may exacerbate
this kidney lesion. In this case, however, chronic nephropathy was
considered to be adverse because the incidences of this lesion was
significantly increased in females at 46 mg/kg/day (30/35) and also at
the next higher dose of 254 mg/kg/day (36/45, p<0.005). In the chronic
study with dogs, the effects (e.g., clinical signs, alterations in
clinical pathology, organ weights, or histopathology) were determined
to be not adverse since the findings were isolated, highly variable,
and/or there was a lack of dose-response or a clear target organ for
toxicity.
Table--Summary of Toxicological Doses and Endpoints for Pyriofenone for Use in Human Health Risk Assessment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point of departure and
Exposure/scenario uncertainty/safety RfD, PAD, LOC for risk Study and toxicological
factors assessment effects
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acute dietary........................ An acute dietary endpoint was not selected because toxicity from a single
dose was not identified in the hazard database.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chronic dietary (All populations).... NOAEL= 9 mg/kg/day..... Chronic RfD = 0.09..... Chronic toxicity/
UFA = 10x.............. mg/kg/day.............. carcinogenicity study--
UFH = 10x.............. cPAD = 0.09............ rat
FQPA SF = 1x........... mg/kg/day.............. NOAEL = 9 mg/kg/day
based on increased
nephropathy seen in
female rats at LOAEL =
46 mg/kg/day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cancer (Oral, dermal, inhalation).... Classification: ``Not likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans''.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FQPA SF = FQPA Safety Factor. LOAEL = lowest observed adverse effect level.
LOC = Level of Concern. mg/kg/day = milligram/kilogram/day. NOAEL = no observed adverse effect level. PAD =
population adjusted dose (a = acute, c = chronic). RfD = reference dose. UFA = extrapolation from animal to
human (intraspecies). UFH = potential variation in sensitivity among members of the human population
(interspecies).
Specific information on the toxicological endpoints for pyriofenone
can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in document ``Pyriofenone.
Human-Health Risk Assessment for the Establishment of Tolerances for
Pyriofenone Fungicide in/on Imported Grapes,'' dated November 1, 2011
at pp.16-30 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0659.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to pyriofenone, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-
for tolerances. EPA assessed dietary exposures from pyriofenone in food
as follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk
assessments are performed for a food-use pesticide, if a toxicological
study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring
as a result of a 1-day or single exposure. No such effects were
identified in the toxicological studies for pyriofenone; therefore, a
quantitative acute dietary exposure assessment is unnecessary.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1994-1996 and 1998 Nationwide
Continuing Surveys of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII). As to
residue levels in food, EPA conducted an unrefined, screening-level
chronic dietary risk assessment assuming tolerance level residues for
grapes, raisins, and all other processed grape commodities; and 100% of
all grapes are treated with pyriofenone.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that pyriofenone does not pose a cancer risk to humans.
Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing
cancer risk is unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information.
EPA did not use anticipated residue information in the dietary
assessment for pyriofenone. Tolerance level residues and/or 100 PCT
were assumed for all food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. Pyriofenone is not
registered for use in the United States; therefore, exposure to
pyriofenone in drinking water is not expected.
3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary
exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control,
termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets). Pyriofenone is not
registered for any specific use patterns that would result in
residential exposure.
4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when
considering whether
[[Page 13505]]
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.''
EPA has not found pyriofenone to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and pyriofenone does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this tolerance assessment action, therefore, EPA has not
assumed that pyriofenone has a common mechanism of toxicity with other
substances. 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 the policy statements
released by EPA's OPP concerning common mechanism determinations and
procedures for cumulating effects from substances found to have a
common mechanism on EPA's Web site at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children
1. 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 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.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. The toxicological database
for pyriofenone is complete with regard to pre- and postnatal toxicity,
and there are no residual uncertainties. As the data summarized in Unit
III.A. showed, pyriofenone exposure did not result in quantitative or
qualitative increased sensitivity in the young.
3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the
safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the
FQPA SF were reduced to 1x. That decision is based on the following
findings:
i. The toxicity database for pyriofenone is complete.
ii. There is no indication that pyriofenone is a neurotoxic
chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study
or additional uncertainty factors (UFs) to account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that pyriofenone results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal
developmental studies or in young rats in the 2-generation reproduction
study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The dietary food exposure assessment was performed based on
the assumptions of 100 PCT and tolerance-level residues. This
assessment will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by
pyriofenone.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water,
and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an
adequate MOE exists. For this action there is potential exposure to
pyriofenone from food only.
1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk assessment takes into
account acute exposure estimates from dietary consumption of food and
drinking water. No adverse effect resulting from a single oral exposure
was identified and no acute dietary endpoint was selected. Therefore,
pyriofenone is not expected to pose an acute risk.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to
pyriofenone from food only will utilize 1% of the cPAD for children (1-
2 years old), the population group receiving the greatest exposure.
There are no residential uses for pyriofenone. Based on the explanation
in Unit III.C.3., regarding residential use patterns, chronic
residential exposure to residues of pyriofenone is not expected.
3. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity
studies, pyriofenone is classified as ``not likely to be carcinogenic
to humans.'' EPA does not expect pyriofenone to pose a cancer risk.
4. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result
to the general population, or to infants and children from aggregate
exposure to pyriofenone residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
A liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/
MS) method based on the proposed enforcement method (Method ISK 0341/
074208, Revision 4) was used to determine residues of
pyriofenone in or on grapes (Raw Agricultural Commodity (RAC)) and its
processed fractions for the crop field trial and grape processing
studies associated with this petition. The validated limit of
quantitation (LOQ) is 0.01 ppm. This method was adequately validated
for data collection purposes and a successful independent laboratory
validation study was conducted. Therefore, the LC/MS/MS method is
acceptable for use as an enforcement method.
The method may be requested from: Chief, Analytical Chemistry
Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701 Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD
20755-5350; telephone number: (410) 305-2905; email address:
residuemethods@epa.gov.
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 United Nations
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 MRL.
The Codex has not established a MRL for pyriofenone. However,
review of this tolerance on imported grapes is being conducted with
Canada, and the U.S. and Canada are harmonized on the residue
definition and recommended tolerances.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances
The tolerance level for grape being established by EPA differs from
that
[[Page 13506]]
proposed in the tolerance petition submitted by the ISK Biosciences
Corporation. The Agency used the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development tolerance calculation procedures to determine that the
tolerance level of 0.30 ppm is needed. The petitioner did not propose a
separate tolerance for grape, raisin, but processing studies showed
that residues could concentrate, necessitating a higher tolerance of
0.50 ppm. Finally, EPA has revised the tolerance expression to clarify
that:
1. As provided in FFDCA section 408(a)(3), the tolerance covers
metabolites and degradates of pyriofenone not specifically mentioned.
2. Compliance with the specified tolerance levels is to be
determined by measuring only the specific compounds mentioned in the
tolerance expression.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established (without U.S. registrations)
for residues of the fungicide, pyriofenone, including its metabolites
and degradates, in or on grape at 0.30 ppm and grape, raisin at 0.50
ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This final rule establishes tolerances under FFDCA 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). Since
tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis of a
petition under FFDCA section 408(d), 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 FFDCA section 408(n)(4). 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).
VII. 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: February 17, 2012.
Steven Bradbury,
Director, 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. Section 180.660 is added to subpart C to read as follows:
Sec. 180.660 Pyriofenone; tolerances for residues.
(a) General. Tolerances are established for residues of the
fungicide pyriofenone, including its metabolites and degradates, in or
on the following commodities listed in the table. Compliance with the
tolerance levels specified in the table is to be determined by
measuring only pyriofenone, (5-chloro-2-methoxy-4-methyl-3-
pyridinyl)(2,3,4-trimethoxy-6-methylphenyl) methanone, in or on the
following commodities:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grape \1\.................................................... 0.30
Grape, raisin \1\............................................ 0.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ There are no U.S. registrations for grape and grape, raisin.
(b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. [Reserved]
(c) Tolerances with regional registrations. [Reserved]
(d) Indirect or inadvertent residues. [Reserved]
[FR Doc. 2012-5271 Filed 3-6-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P