Metrafenone; Pesticide Tolerances, 12516-12520 [2019-06334]
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does not impose any enforceable duty or
contain any unfunded mandate as
described under Title II of the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.
1501 et seq.).
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).
Representatives, and the Comptroller
General of the United States prior to
publication of the rule in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ‘‘major
rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
XI. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review
Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will
submit a report containing this rule and
other required information to the U.S.
Senate, the U.S. House of
Dated: February 26, 2019.
Michael Goodis,
Director, Registration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
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.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
2. In § 180.960, add alphanumerically
the polymer to the table to read as
follows:
■
§ 180.960 Polymers; exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance.
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Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
Polymer
CAS No.
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2-methyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propenyl)amino]-1-propanesulfonic acid monosodium salt polymer with 2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, C12-16
alkyl esters, minimum number average molecular weight (in amu), 10,000 ...................................................................................
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[FR Doc. 2019–06383 Filed 4–1–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2017–0616; FRL–9987–14]
Metrafenone; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of metrafenone
in or on mushroom. BASF Corporation
requested these tolerances under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA).
SUMMARY:
This regulation is effective April
2, 2019. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
June 3, 2019 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:
The docket for this action,
identified by docket identification (ID)
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2017–0616, is
available at https://www.regulations.gov
or at the Office of Pesticide Programs
Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)
in the Environmental Protection Agency
Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William
Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301
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ADDRESSES:
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Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460–0001. The Public Reading Room
is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, excluding legal
holidays. The telephone number for the
Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,
and the telephone number for the OPP
Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review
the visitor instructions and additional
information about the docket available
at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Goodis, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460–0001; main telephone number:
(703) 305–7090; email address:
RDFRNotices@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. The following
list of North American Industrial
Classification System (NAICS) codes is
not intended to be exhaustive, but rather
provides a guide to help readers
determine whether this document
applies to them. Potentially affected
entities may include:
• Crop production (NAICS code 111).
• Animal production (NAICS code
112).
• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311).
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• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532).
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 Publishing Office’s eCFR site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/
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–2017–0616 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 June
3, 2019. 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 (excluding
any Confidential Business Information
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(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 the non-CBI copy of your
objection or hearing request, identified
by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–
2017–0616, by one of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Do not submit electronically any
information you consider to be CBI or
other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute.
• Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental
Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/
DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW, Washington, DC 20460–0001.
• Hand Delivery: To make special
arrangements for hand delivery or
delivery of boxed information, please
follow the instructions at https://
www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
Additional instructions on
commenting or visiting the docket,
along with more information about
dockets generally, is available at https://
www.epa.gov/dockets.
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II. Summary of Petitioned-For
Tolerance
In the Federal Register of February
27, 2018 (83 FR 8408) (FRL–9972–17),
EPA issued a document pursuant to
FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C.
346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a
pesticide petition (PP 7F8624) by BASF
Corporation, 26 Davis Drive, P.O. Box
13528, Research Triangle Park, NC
27709–3528. The petition requested that
40 CFR 180.624 be amended by
establishing a tolerance for residues of
the fungicide metrafenone, (3-bromo-6methoxy-2-methylphenyl) (2,3,4trimethoxy-6-methylphenyl)methanone,
in or on mushroom at 0.5 parts per
million (ppm). That document
referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by BASF Corporation, the
registrant, which is available in the
docket, https://www.regulations.gov.
Comments were received on the notice
of filing. EPA’s response to these
comments is discussed in Unit IV.C.
Based upon review of the data
supporting the petition, EPA is
establishing the tolerance for residues of
metrafenone at 0.50 ppm to be
consistent with EPA rounding class
practices. Additionally, the tolerance is
established for the commodity ‘‘White
button mushroom’’ to reflect the
mushroom variety tested in the
supporting crop field trial studies.
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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 metrafenone
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with metrafenone 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 is the primary target organ
for metrafenone in mice, rabbits and
rats. Effects on the liver were seen in
multiple studies throughout the
database, including subchronic rat
studies, the rabbit developmental
toxicity study, and chronic studies in
mice and rats. Liver effects observed in
subchronic studies included increased
liver weights, periportal cytoplasmic
vacuolation, increased cholesterol, and
hepatocellular hypertrophy. Liver
effects observed in chronic studies
included those from the subchronic
studies as well as increased serum
gamma glutamyl transferase,
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eosinophilic alterations, necrosis,
polyploid hepatocytes, bile duct
hyperplasia, liver masses, and
hepatocellular adenomas. The
additional effects in the chronic studies
indicate a progression of toxicity with
time. The effects on the liver are
consistent with the results of the
absorption, distribution, metabolism,
and excretion (ADME) studies
indicating that the highest tissue
concentrations of metrafenone were
found in the liver and gastrointestinal
tract and that bile is the primary route
of excretion.
Additionally, nephrotoxicity was
observed following chronic exposure to
metrafenone in mice and rats. The
kidney effects observed in the chronic
studies included subacute/chronic
interstitial inflammation and chronic/
progressive nephropathy, cysts, brown
pigment in renal cells, increased urinary
volume, and increased urinary protein.
In a 28-day dermal toxicity study in
rats, there were no dermal or systemic
effects observed up to the highest dose
tested of 1,000 mg/kg/day, the limit
dose. In a 28-day immunotoxicity study
in female rats, no effect on the immune
system was observed up to the highest
dose tested of 1,000 mg/kg/day, the
limit dose. This is consistent with the
rest of the database where no effects on
the immune system were observed in
any study.
There was no evidence of qualitative
or quantitative susceptibility in the
developmental and reproduction
toxicity studies. In the developmental
rat study, no effects were observed in
dams or fetuses up to the limit dose of
1,000 mg/kg/day. In the rabbit study,
liver toxicity (increased liver weights,
hypertrophy, and hepatocyte
vacuolation) was observed in the dams
but no developmental effects were
observed up to the limit dose of 1,000
mg/kg/day.
In the rat reproduction toxicity study,
there was no evidence of reproductive
toxicity. Effects in the offspring
(decreased pup weight) occurred at
doses similar to those that cause toxicity
in the parental animals (decreased body
weight).
The required battery of mutagenicity
studies was submitted, including
bacterial reverse mutation assay,
mammalian cell mutation (CHO cells),
in vitro chromosome aberration (CHO
cells), micronucleus assay and
unscheduled DNA synthesis in
mammalian cells in culture. There is no
evidence that metrafenone is genotoxic.
In the mouse carcinogenicity study,
liver tumors (increased incidence of
hepatocellular adenomas and adenomas
plus carcinomas) were observed in male
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mice at the highest dose of 1,109 mg/kg/
day. In the rat chronic/carcinogenicity
study, there was an increased incidence
in hepatocellular adenomas in females
at the high dose of 1,419 mg/kg/day.
However, the tumors in the rat females
were not considered in the weight-ofevidence finding because they were
associated with excessive toxicity to the
females, leading to a reduction of the
dose during the study. The registrant
submitted mechanistic studies to
support a mode of action (MOA) for the
liver tumors, but the studies were
conducted in rats. Although the MOA
was considered plausible, the Agency
concluded the data on rats could not be
used to support a MOA finding in mice.
The Agency concluded that
quantification of cancer risk using a
non-linear approach would adequately
account for all chronic toxicity
(including carcinogenicity) that could
result from exposure to metrafenone.
The use of the chronic point of
departure is protective based on the
following reasons:
• A treatment-related increase in
benign liver tumors was seen only in
male CD–1 mice at doses that were
adequate to assess the carcinogenicity.
• The liver tumors were observed at
doses significantly higher (44x) than
those currently used for risk assessment.
• No treatment-related tumors were
seen in female mice.
• No treatment-related tumors were
seen in male rats and liver tumors in
female rats were seen only at the Limit
Dose which was excessively toxic to
females; no tumors were seen at the next
dose of 5,000 ppm, which was
considered adequate to assess
carcinogenicity.
• There is no mutagenicity concern
for metrafenone.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the adverse
effects caused by metrafenone as well as
the no-observed-adverse-effect-level
(NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies can be found at https://
www.regulations.gov in document
‘‘Metrafenone. Human Health Risk
Assessment for the Section 3
Registration for Use on Mushrooms’’ at
pages 26–36 in docket ID number EPA–
HQ–OPP–2017–0616.
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
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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/pesticide-science-andassessing-pesticide-risks/assessinghuman-health-risk-pesticides.
A summary of the toxicological
endpoints for metrafenone used for
human risk assessment is discussed in
Unit III.B. of the final rule published in
the Federal Register of October 22, 2014
(79 FR 63047) (FRL–9917–56).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to metrafenone, EPA
considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerance as well as all
existing metrafenone tolerances in 40
CFR 180.624. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from metrafenone 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 metrafenone;
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 USDA National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey, What We
Eat in America, (NHANES/WWEIA;
2003–2008). As to residue levels in
food, EPA assumed 100 percent crop
treated (PCT), tolerance-level residues
(using a 2X metabolism adjustment
factor), and EPA’s 2018 default
processing factors (with the exception of
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chemical-specific processing factors
where available).
iii. Cancer. Based on the data
summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that the use of the chronic
point of departure is appropriate for
assessing cancer risk to metrafenone.
Therefore, a separate dietary exposure
assessment for the purpose of assessing
cancer risk is unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and PCT
information. EPA did not use
anticipated residue and/or PCT
information in the dietary assessment
for metrafenone. Tolerance level
residues (using a 2X metabolism
adjustment factor), default processing
factors (with the exception of chemicalspecific processing factors where
available), and 100 PCT were assumed
for all food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. The Agency used screening level
water exposure models in the dietary
exposure analysis and risk assessment
for metrafenone in drinking water.
These simulation models take into
account data on the physical, chemical,
and fate/transport characteristics of
metrafenone. Further information
regarding EPA drinking water models
used in pesticide exposure assessment
can be found at https://www2.epa.gov/
pesticide-science-and-assessingpesticide-risks/about-water-exposuremodels-used-pesticide.
Based on the Pesticide Root Zone
Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling
System (PRZM/EXAMS) and Pesticide
Root Zone Model Ground Water (PRZM
GW), the estimated drinking water
concentrations (EDWCs) of metrafenone
total toxic residues for chronic
exposures are estimated to be 14.52 ppb
for surface water and 12.3 ppb for
ground water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water
concentrations were directly entered
into the dietary exposure model. For
chronic dietary risk assessment, the
water concentration of value 14.52 ppb
was used to assess the contribution to
drinking water.
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).
Metrafenone 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
to establish, modify, or revoke a
tolerance, the Agency consider
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‘‘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 metrafenone to
share a common mechanism of toxicity
with any other substances, and
metrafenone does not appear to produce
a toxic metabolite produced by other
substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that metrafenone does not have
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 EPA’s website at https://
www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-andassessing-pesticide-risks/guidanceidentifying-pesticide-chemicals-andother.
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.
There was no evidence of qualitative or
quantitative susceptibility in the
developmental and reproduction
toxicity studies. In the developmental
rat study, no effects were observed in
dams or fetuses up to the limit dose of
1,000 mg/kg/day. In the rabbit study,
liver toxicity (increased liver weights,
hypertrophy, and hepatocyte
vacuolation) was observed in the dams
but no developmental effects were
observed up to the limit dose of 1,000
mg/kg/day. In the rat reproduction
toxicity study, there was no evidence of
reproductive toxicity. Effects in the
offspring (decreased pup weight)
occurred at doses similar to those which
cause toxicity in the parental animals
(decreased body weight).
3. Conclusion. EPA has determined
that reliable data show the safety of
infants and children would be
adequately protected if the FQPA SF
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were reduced to 1X. That decision is
based on the following findings:
i. The toxicity database for
metrafenone is complete.
ii. There is no indication that
metrafenone is a neurotoxic chemical
and there is no need for a
developmental neurotoxicity study or
additional UFs to account for
neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that
metrafenone 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 assessments
were performed based on 100 PCT,
tolerance-level residues (using a 2X
metabolism adjustment factor), and
EPA’s 2017 default processing factors
(with the exception of chemical-specific
processing factors where available). EPA
made conservative (protective)
assumptions in the ground and surface
water modeling used to assess exposure
to metrafenone in drinking water. These
assessments will not underestimate the
exposure and risks posed by
metrafenone.
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.
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, metrafenone 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 metrafenone
from food and water will utilize 16% of
the cPAD for children 1–2 years old, the
population group receiving the greatest
exposure. There are no residential uses
for metrafenone.
3. Short- and intermediate-term risk.
Short- and intermediate-term aggregate
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exposure takes into account short- and
intermediate-term residential exposure
plus chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background
exposure level).
A short- and intermediate-term
adverse effect was identified; however,
metrafenone is not registered for any use
patterns that would result in short- and/
or intermediate-term residential
exposure. Short- and intermediate-term
risk is assessed based on short-term
residential exposure plus chronic
dietary exposure. Because there is no
short- and/or intermediate-term
residential exposure and chronic dietary
exposure has already been assessed
under the appropriately protective
cPAD (which is at least as protective as
the POD used to assess short-term risk),
no further assessment of short-term risk
is necessary, and EPA relies on the
chronic dietary risk assessment for
evaluating short- and intermediate-term
risk for metrafenone.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. EPA considers the chronic
aggregate risk assessment to be
protective of any aggregate cancer risk.
5. 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 metrafenone
residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology
((Method FAMS 105–01)) is available to
enforce the tolerance expression.
Additionally, BASF has proposed the
QuEChERS LC–MS/MS method as a
new enforcement method for
metrafenone.
The method for Method FAMS 105–
01 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
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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 established an MRL for
metrafenone in or on mushrooms at 0.5
ppm. The Codex MRL is for
‘‘Mushrooms’’ defined as VF 0450 to
include button mushroom, Rodman’s
agaricus mushroom and HimeMatsutake, edible fungi. This MRL
matches the tolerance established for
metrafenone in or on white button
mushroom in the United States, with
the exception of the number of
significant digits.
C. Response to Comments
Two comments were received in
response to the Notice of Filing
associated with this action, requesting
that the Agency deny approval of the
product due to impacts on the
environment. Because the Agency’s role
is to assess the safety of the tolerance,
these comments are outside the scope of
this rulemaking.
amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with RULES
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
for residues of metrafenone, (3-bromo-6methoxy-2-methylphenyl) (2,3,4trimethoxy-6-methylphenyl)
methanone, in or on white button
mushroom at 0.50 ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This action establishes a tolerance
under FFDCA section 408(d) 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 action
has been exempted from review under
Executive Order 12866, this action 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), nor is it considered a
regulatory action under Executive Order
13771, entitled ‘‘Reducing Regulations
and Controlling Regulatory Costs’’ (82
FR 9339, February 3, 2017). This action
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:30 Apr 01, 2019
Jkt 247001
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 action 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 action. In addition, this action
does not impose any enforceable duty or
contain any unfunded mandate as
described under Title II of the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.
1501 et seq.).
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).
VII. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review
Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 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. This action is not a ‘‘major
rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Dated: March 15, 2019.
Donna Davis,
Acting 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 § 180.624, add alphabetically the
entry ‘‘White button mushroom’’ to the
table in paragraph (a) to read as follows:
■
§ 180.624 Metrafenone; tolerances for
residues.
(a) * * *
Parts per
million
Commodity
*
*
*
White button mushroom .......
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
0.50
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2019–06334 Filed 4–1–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2017–0665; FRL–9987–27]
Zoxamide; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of zoxamide in or
on Pepper/Eggplant Subgroup 8–10B.
Gowan Company requested these
tolerances under the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective April
2, 2019. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
June 3, 2019, and must be filed in
accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also
Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION).
SUMMARY:
The docket for this action,
identified by docket identification (ID)
ADDRESSES:
E:\FR\FM\02APR1.SGM
02APR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 2, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12516-12520]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-06334]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2017-0616; FRL-9987-14]
Metrafenone; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of
metrafenone in or on mushroom. BASF Corporation requested these
tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective April 2, 2019. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before June 3, 2019 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: The docket for this action, identified by docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2017-0616, is available at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory
Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency
Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334,
1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001. The Public
Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public
Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPP
Docket is (703) 305-5805. Please review the visitor instructions and
additional information about the docket available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Goodis, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; main telephone
number: (703) 305-7090; email address: [email protected].
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.
The following list of North American Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a
guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them.
Potentially affected entities may include:
Crop production (NAICS code 111).
Animal production (NAICS code 112).
Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).
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
Publishing Office's e-CFR site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/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-2017-0616 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
June 3, 2019. 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 (excluding any Confidential Business Information
[[Page 12517]]
(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 the non-CBI copy of your objection or
hearing request, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2017-0616,
by one of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460-0001.
Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the
instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along
with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance
In the Federal Register of February 27, 2018 (83 FR 8408) (FRL-
9972-17), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP
7F8624) by BASF Corporation, 26 Davis Drive, P.O. Box 13528, Research
Triangle Park, NC 27709-3528. The petition requested that 40 CFR
180.624 be amended by establishing a tolerance for residues of the
fungicide metrafenone, (3-bromo-6-methoxy-2-methylphenyl) (2,3,4-
trimethoxy-6-methylphenyl)methanone, in or on mushroom at 0.5 parts per
million (ppm). That document referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by BASF Corporation, the registrant, which is available in the
docket, https://www.regulations.gov. Comments were received on the
notice of filing. EPA's response to these comments is discussed in Unit
IV.C.
Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA is
establishing the tolerance for residues of metrafenone at 0.50 ppm to
be consistent with EPA rounding class practices. Additionally, the
tolerance is established for the commodity ``White button mushroom'' to
reflect the mushroom variety tested in the supporting crop field trial
studies.
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 metrafenone including exposure
resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA's
assessment of exposures and risks associated with metrafenone 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 is the primary target organ for metrafenone in mice,
rabbits and rats. Effects on the liver were seen in multiple studies
throughout the database, including subchronic rat studies, the rabbit
developmental toxicity study, and chronic studies in mice and rats.
Liver effects observed in subchronic studies included increased liver
weights, periportal cytoplasmic vacuolation, increased cholesterol, and
hepatocellular hypertrophy. Liver effects observed in chronic studies
included those from the subchronic studies as well as increased serum
gamma glutamyl transferase, eosinophilic alterations, necrosis,
polyploid hepatocytes, bile duct hyperplasia, liver masses, and
hepatocellular adenomas. The additional effects in the chronic studies
indicate a progression of toxicity with time. The effects on the liver
are consistent with the results of the absorption, distribution,
metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies indicating that the highest
tissue concentrations of metrafenone were found in the liver and
gastrointestinal tract and that bile is the primary route of excretion.
Additionally, nephrotoxicity was observed following chronic
exposure to metrafenone in mice and rats. The kidney effects observed
in the chronic studies included subacute/chronic interstitial
inflammation and chronic/progressive nephropathy, cysts, brown pigment
in renal cells, increased urinary volume, and increased urinary
protein.
In a 28-day dermal toxicity study in rats, there were no dermal or
systemic effects observed up to the highest dose tested of 1,000 mg/kg/
day, the limit dose. In a 28-day immunotoxicity study in female rats,
no effect on the immune system was observed up to the highest dose
tested of 1,000 mg/kg/day, the limit dose. This is consistent with the
rest of the database where no effects on the immune system were
observed in any study.
There was no evidence of qualitative or quantitative susceptibility
in the developmental and reproduction toxicity studies. In the
developmental rat study, no effects were observed in dams or fetuses up
to the limit dose of 1,000 mg/kg/day. In the rabbit study, liver
toxicity (increased liver weights, hypertrophy, and hepatocyte
vacuolation) was observed in the dams but no developmental effects were
observed up to the limit dose of 1,000 mg/kg/day.
In the rat reproduction toxicity study, there was no evidence of
reproductive toxicity. Effects in the offspring (decreased pup weight)
occurred at doses similar to those that cause toxicity in the parental
animals (decreased body weight).
The required battery of mutagenicity studies was submitted,
including bacterial reverse mutation assay, mammalian cell mutation
(CHO cells), in vitro chromosome aberration (CHO cells), micronucleus
assay and unscheduled DNA synthesis in mammalian cells in culture.
There is no evidence that metrafenone is genotoxic.
In the mouse carcinogenicity study, liver tumors (increased
incidence of hepatocellular adenomas and adenomas plus carcinomas) were
observed in male
[[Page 12518]]
mice at the highest dose of 1,109 mg/kg/day. In the rat chronic/
carcinogenicity study, there was an increased incidence in
hepatocellular adenomas in females at the high dose of 1,419 mg/kg/day.
However, the tumors in the rat females were not considered in the
weight-of-evidence finding because they were associated with excessive
toxicity to the females, leading to a reduction of the dose during the
study. The registrant submitted mechanistic studies to support a mode
of action (MOA) for the liver tumors, but the studies were conducted in
rats. Although the MOA was considered plausible, the Agency concluded
the data on rats could not be used to support a MOA finding in mice.
The Agency concluded that quantification of cancer risk using a non-
linear approach would adequately account for all chronic toxicity
(including carcinogenicity) that could result from exposure to
metrafenone. The use of the chronic point of departure is protective
based on the following reasons:
A treatment-related increase in benign liver tumors was
seen only in male CD-1 mice at doses that were adequate to assess the
carcinogenicity.
The liver tumors were observed at doses significantly
higher (44x) than those currently used for risk assessment.
No treatment-related tumors were seen in female mice.
No treatment-related tumors were seen in male rats and
liver tumors in female rats were seen only at the Limit Dose which was
excessively toxic to females; no tumors were seen at the next dose of
5,000 ppm, which was considered adequate to assess carcinogenicity.
There is no mutagenicity concern for metrafenone.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by metrafenone 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 ``Metrafenone. Human Health Risk
Assessment for the Section 3 Registration for Use on Mushrooms'' at
pages 26-36 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2017-0616.
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/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/assessing-human-health-risk-pesticides.
A summary of the toxicological endpoints for metrafenone used for
human risk assessment is discussed in Unit III.B. of the final rule
published in the Federal Register of October 22, 2014 (79 FR 63047)
(FRL-9917-56).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to metrafenone, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-
for tolerance as well as all existing metrafenone tolerances in 40 CFR
180.624. EPA assessed dietary exposures from metrafenone 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
metrafenone; 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 USDA National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, What We Eat in America,
(NHANES/WWEIA; 2003-2008). As to residue levels in food, EPA assumed
100 percent crop treated (PCT), tolerance-level residues (using a 2X
metabolism adjustment factor), and EPA's 2018 default processing
factors (with the exception of chemical-specific processing factors
where available).
iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that the use of the chronic point of departure is appropriate
for assessing cancer risk to metrafenone. Therefore, a separate dietary
exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing cancer risk is
unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and PCT information. EPA did not use
anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the dietary assessment
for metrafenone. Tolerance level residues (using a 2X metabolism
adjustment factor), default processing factors (with the exception of
chemical-specific processing factors where available), and 100 PCT were
assumed for all food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk
assessment for metrafenone in drinking water. These simulation models
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport
characteristics of metrafenone. Further information regarding EPA
drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be
found at https://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/about-water-exposure-models-used-pesticide.
Based on the Pesticide Root Zone Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling
System (PRZM/EXAMS) and Pesticide Root Zone Model Ground Water (PRZM
GW), the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of metrafenone
total toxic residues for chronic exposures are estimated to be 14.52
ppb for surface water and 12.3 ppb for ground water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly
entered into the dietary exposure model. For chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration of value 14.52 ppb was used to
assess the contribution to drinking water.
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). Metrafenone 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 to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the
Agency consider
[[Page 12519]]
``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 metrafenone to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and metrafenone does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that
metrafenone does not have 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 EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/guidance-identifying-pesticide-chemicals-and-other.
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. There was no evidence of
qualitative or quantitative susceptibility in the developmental and
reproduction toxicity studies. In the developmental rat study, no
effects were observed in dams or fetuses up to the limit dose of 1,000
mg/kg/day. In the rabbit study, liver toxicity (increased liver
weights, hypertrophy, and hepatocyte vacuolation) was observed in the
dams but no developmental effects were observed up to the limit dose of
1,000 mg/kg/day. In the rat reproduction toxicity study, there was no
evidence of reproductive toxicity. Effects in the offspring (decreased
pup weight) occurred at doses similar to those which cause toxicity in
the parental animals (decreased body weight).
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 metrafenone is complete.
ii. There is no indication that metrafenone is a neurotoxic
chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study
or additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that metrafenone 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 assessments were performed based
on 100 PCT, tolerance-level residues (using a 2X metabolism adjustment
factor), and EPA's 2017 default processing factors (with the exception
of chemical-specific processing factors where available). EPA made
conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water
modeling used to assess exposure to metrafenone in drinking water.
These assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed
by metrafenone.
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.
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,
metrafenone 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
metrafenone from food and water will utilize 16% of the cPAD for
children 1-2 years old, the population group receiving the greatest
exposure. There are no residential uses for metrafenone.
3. Short- and intermediate-term risk. Short- and intermediate-term
aggregate exposure takes into account short- and intermediate-term
residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background exposure level).
A short- and intermediate-term adverse effect was identified;
however, metrafenone is not registered for any use patterns that would
result in short- and/or intermediate-term residential exposure. Short-
and intermediate-term risk is assessed based on short-term residential
exposure plus chronic dietary exposure. Because there is no short- and/
or intermediate-term residential exposure and chronic dietary exposure
has already been assessed under the appropriately protective cPAD
(which is at least as protective as the POD used to assess short-term
risk), no further assessment of short-term risk is necessary, and EPA
relies on the chronic dietary risk assessment for evaluating short- and
intermediate-term risk for metrafenone.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. EPA considers the
chronic aggregate risk assessment to be protective of any aggregate
cancer risk.
5. 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 metrafenone residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology ((Method FAMS 105-01)) is
available to enforce the tolerance expression. Additionally, BASF has
proposed the QuEChERS LC-MS/MS method as a new enforcement method for
metrafenone.
The method for Method FAMS 105-01 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: [email protected].
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
[[Page 12520]]
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 established an MRL for metrafenone in or on mushrooms
at 0.5 ppm. The Codex MRL is for ``Mushrooms'' defined as VF 0450 to
include button mushroom, Rodman's agaricus mushroom and Hime-Matsutake,
edible fungi. This MRL matches the tolerance established for
metrafenone in or on white button mushroom in the United States, with
the exception of the number of significant digits.
C. Response to Comments
Two comments were received in response to the Notice of Filing
associated with this action, requesting that the Agency deny approval
of the product due to impacts on the environment. Because the Agency's
role is to assess the safety of the tolerance, these comments are
outside the scope of this rulemaking.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of metrafenone,
(3-bromo-6-methoxy-2-methylphenyl) (2,3,4-trimethoxy-6-methylphenyl)
methanone, in or on white button mushroom at 0.50 ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This action establishes a tolerance under FFDCA section 408(d) 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 action has been
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this action 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), nor is it considered a
regulatory action under Executive Order 13771, entitled ``Reducing
Regulations and Controlling Regulatory Costs'' (82 FR 9339, February 3,
2017). This action 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 action 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 action. In addition, this
action does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded
mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
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).
VII. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.),
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. This action 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: March 15, 2019.
Donna Davis,
Acting 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. 180.624, add alphabetically the entry ``White button
mushroom'' to the table in paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Sec. 180.624 Metrafenone; tolerances for residues.
(a) * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
White button mushroom................................... 0.50
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2019-06334 Filed 4-1-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P