[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 224 (Wednesday, November 19, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69559-69564]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-27485]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0417; FRL-8389-5]


Polyoxin D Zinc Salt; Exemption from the Requirement of a 
Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance for residues of the polyoxin D zinc salt (zinc 5-[[2-
amino-5-o-(aminocarbonyl)-2-deoxy-L-xylonoyl]amino]-1-(5-carboxy-3,4-
dihydro-2,4-dioxo-1(2H)-pyrimidinyl)-1,5-dideoxy-[beta]-D-
allofuranuronatein) on almonds, cucurbit vegetables, fruiting 
vegetables, ginseng, grapes, pistachios, pome fruits, potatoes and 
strawberries when applied/used as a biochemical pesticide to control 
and suppress fungal diseases. Arysta LifeScience North America 
Corporation submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, 
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a 
maximum permissible level for residues of polyoxin D zinc salt (zinc 5-
[[2-amino-5-o-(aminocarbonyl)-2-deoxy-L-xylonoyl]amino]-1-(5-carboxy-
3,4-dihydro-2,4-dioxo-1(2H)-pyrimidinyl)-1,5-dideoxy-[beta]-D-
allofuranuronatein).

DATES: This regulation is effective November 19, 2008. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before January 20, 2009, 
and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 
CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under docket 
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008--0417. All documents in the 
docket are listed in the docket index available at http://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 http://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: Chris Pfeifer, Biopesticides and 
Pollution Prevention Division (7511P), Office of Pesticide Programs, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 308-0031; e-mail 
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. 
Potentially

[[Page 69560]]

affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
     Crop production (NAICS code 111).
     Animal production (NAICS code 112).
     Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).
    This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides 
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this 
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be 
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) 
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining 
whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any 
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular 
entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT.

B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies of this Document?

    In addition to accessing electronically available documents at 
http://www.regulations.gov, you may access this Federal Register 
document electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal 
Register'' listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr. You may also access 
a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR part 180 through the 
Government Printing Office's e-CFR site at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr.

C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing Request?

    Under section 408(g) of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file 
an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a 
hearing on those objections. The EPA procedural regulations which 
govern the submission of objections and requests for hearings appear in 
40 CFR part 178. You must file your objection or request a hearing on 
this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR 
part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify docket ID 
number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0417 in the subject line on the first page of 
your submission. All requests must be in writing, and must be mailed or 
delivered to the Hearing Clerk on or before January 20, 2009.
    In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the 
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of 
the filing that does not contain any CBI for inclusion in the public 
docket that is described in ADDRESSES. Information not marked 
confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA 
without prior notice. Submit your copies, identified by docket ID 
number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0417, by one of the following methods.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Regulatory Public 
Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania 
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
     Delivery: OPP Regulatory Public Docket (7502P), 
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South 
Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. Deliveries are only 
accepted during the Docket Facility's normal hours of operation (8:30 
a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays). 
Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed 
information. The Docket Facility telephone number is (703) 305-5805.

II. Background and Statutory Findings

    In the Federal Register of July 31, 2008 (73 FR 44719) (FRL-8374-
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 tolerance 
petition (PP 7F7252) by Arysta LifeScience North America Corporation, 
15401 Weston Parkway, Suite 150, Cary, NC 27513. The petition requested 
that 40 CFR part 180 be amended by establishing an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance for residues of polyoxin D zinc salt (zinc 
5-[[2-amino-5-o-(aminocarbonyl)-2-deoxy-L-xylonoyl]amino]-1-(5-carboxy-
3,4-dihydro-2,4-dioxo-1(2H)-pyrimidinyl)-1,5-dideoxy-[beta]-D-
allofuranuronatein). This notice included a summary of the petition 
prepared by the petitioner Arysta LifeScience North America 
Corporation. There were no comments received in response to the notice 
of filing.
    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an 
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a 
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that 
the exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines 
``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm 
will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, 
including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for 
which there is reliable information.'' This includes exposure through 
drinking water and in residential settings, but does not include 
occupational exposure. Pursuant to section 408(c)(2)(B) of FFDCA, in 
establishing or maintaining in effect an exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance, EPA must take into account the factors set forth in 
section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA, which require EPA to give special 
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide 
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there 
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and 
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . . 
.'' Additionally, section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA requires that the 
Agency consider ``available information concerning the cumulative 
effects of a particular pesticide's residues '' and ``other substances 
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
    EPA performs a number of analyses to determine the risks from 
aggregate exposure to pesticide residues. First, EPA determines the 
toxicity of pesticides. Second, EPA examines exposure to the pesticide 
through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as 
a result of pesticide use in residential settings.

III. Toxicological Profile

    Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, EPA has reviewed the 
available scientific data and other relevant information in support of 
this action and considered its validity, completeness, and reliability 
and the relationship of this information to human risk. EPA has also 
considered available information concerning the variability of the 
sensitivities of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including 
infants and children.
    Polyoxin D zinc salt is a brown musty smelling powder derived 
through the fermentation of the microbe Streptomyces cacaoi var. 
asoensis, which was isolated from a soil sample collected in Japan. It 
is registered with EPA's Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention 
Division (BPPD) as a biochemical active ingredient, intended for 
incorporation into sprayable fungicides for turf. As an active 
ingredient, it has a non-toxic mode of action, which acts against 
fungi; not by killing it, but by inhibiting chitin growth in the cell 
walls, and thus precluding the development of fungal colonies. Its 
effects are considered fungi-exclusive in that it has no mode of action 
relative to mammals. Polyoxin D zinc salt does not persist in the 
environment, biodegrading readily within 2 to 3 days. Finally, polyoxin 
D zinc salt has a well understood low toxicity profile.
    Polyoxin-D zinc salt was first assessed by EPA in 1997 with regard 
to the

[[Page 69561]]

human health risks associated with its fungicidal use on turf. The risk 
assessment concluded that the commercial turf uses of polyoxin D zinc 
salt posed no health risks to either occupational users or to any non-
occupational populations that might be exposed. A battery of acute and 
chronic toxicological studies, submitted in support of this non-food 
use, showed that polyoxin D zinc salt induced ``minimal toxic affects 
to humans through oral, dermal, ocular or inhalation routes of 
exposure.'' These studies included all acute toxicity studies, 
mutagenicity studies, developmental studies, and exposure and 
oncogenicity studies. Additionally, EPA's risk assessment considered 
the active ingredient in light of the requirements of the Food Quality 
Protection Act (FQPA) and made a determination of ``reasonable 
certainty of no harm to human health.'' Altogether, the Agency's 1997 
risk assessment of polyoxin D zinc salt concluded that there are no 
risks expected for acute, subchronic, chronic, immune, endocrine, or 
non-dietary cumulative exposures due to the negligible toxicity 
associated with the active ingredient.
    New toxicity data have since been submitted in support of the 
request by the applicant to allow food uses (detailed in this rule) of 
this registered non-food use active ingredient. These data have been 
incorporated into a comprehensive risk assessment on polyoxin D zinc 
salt and provide sufficient grounds for this exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance. The new data include a new mutagenicity 
study, a 90-day subchronic oral toxicity study, a 2-generation 
developmental toxicity study, an immunotoxicty study, and calculations 
for terrestrial residues. All new data confirm a lack of human health 
hazard associated with dietary exposures. These new toxicity data, 
coupled with the data to support the original non-food uses, allow for 
a comprehensive dietary risk analysis, and fully demonstrate polyoxin D 
zinc salt's lack of acute, subchronic, and/or chronic toxicity with 
regard to dietary exposure. All data substantiate the lack of dietary 
risk associated with the food use of polyoxin D zinc salt.
    All data supporting the use of polyoxin D zinc salt on the food 
crops mentioned in this rule confirm that the dietary risks to humans 
are negligible for the following reasons:
    i. The fungistatic mode of action of this active ingredient is 
specific to fungi and poses no risk to mammals.
    ii. Polyoxin D zinc salt is not digestible by mammals and passes 
through the digestive system.
    iii. Theoretical (potential) residues are substantially less than 
the doses that were actually used in polyoxin D zinc salts' toxicity 
studies, which showed virtual non-toxicity.
    iv. A complete battery of toxicological studies show no 
toxicological endpoints and confirm the active ingredient's very low 
toxicity. For the reasons listed in this unit, any potential residues 
of polyoxin D zinc salt are considered to be safe with regard to 
dietary risk. Summaries of the supporting toxicological information are 
found in this unit.
    1. Acute toxicity. Acute toxicity studies were submitted to support 
the initial registration of polyoxin D zinc salt. These studies show a 
lack of significant acute toxicological endpoints, and support the 
finding that polyoxin D zinc salt poses no significant human health 
risk with regard to food uses listed in the summary section of this 
document. A pr[eacute]cis of the acute toxicity studies follows:
    i. The acute oral LD50 is greater than 10,000 
milligrams/kilograms (mg/kg) in rats, a result that confirms acute non-
toxicity through the oral route, and undergirds the risk assessment 
finding that any amount of residues of polyoxin D zinc salt, if 
consumed, is not a health concern.
    ii. The acute dermal LD50 in rats is greater than 2,000 
mg/kg in rats, and demonstrates very low toxicity through dermal 
exposure. While no significant dermal exposure is expected as a result 
of pesticidal applications associated with these new food uses, these 
data substantiate polyoxin D zinc salt's relative non-toxicity to both 
occupational users and the general public.
    iii. The acute inhalation LC50 is greater than 2.17 mg/L 
in rats, and shows no significant inhalation toxicity. Again, no 
significant new inhalation exposure is expected; and relatedly, no 
risks are expected for occupational users or the general public as a 
result of these new food uses.
    iv. Primary dermal irritation in rabbits was considered slight, 
which finding bolsters the information presented in the acute dermal 
toxicity study.
    v. A hypersensitivity study on guinea pigs further demonstrated 
that the active ingredient was not a dermal sensitizer. The acute 
toxicity studies demonstrate that even if there were residues present 
in food, there would be negligible toxic effects associated with 
polyoxin D zinc salt.
    2. Mutagenicity. Data demonstrate that polyoxin D zinc salt is non-
mutagenic. Accordingly, residues associated with the new pesticidal 
food uses of polyoxin D zinc salt are not expected to pose any risk to 
humans with regard to mutagenicity. Studies submitted in support of the 
original 1997 registration of polyoxin D zinc salt first showed the 
active ingredient to be without mutagenic effect. While an Ames Assay 
(Master Record Identification Number (MRID 433230-01)) showed polyoxin 
D to be weakly mutagenic, a battery of three complementary mutagenicity 
tests supported negative conclusions for mutagenicity. In further 
support of that finding of non-mutagenicity, no maternal toxicity or 
developmental toxicity were observed in a developmental toxicity study 
submitted at that time (MRID 432618-36). More recently, two additional 
studies were submitted in support of non-mutagenicity with regard to a 
food use. A Tier II Mammalian Erythrocyte Micronucleus Study (OPPTS 
870.5395; MRID 47145102) showed no mutagenic effect. The test material 
was not toxic to male mice at any dose tested, and there were no 
reported sex differences in response to the test. In a second study, 
polyoxin D zinc salt was tested to the limit dose of 2,000 mg/kg on 
mice. The mice showed no clinical signs or mortality, and there was no 
significant increase in the frequency of micronucleated PCEs, further 
indicating no mutagenic effect. The mutagenicity studies are sufficient 
to confirm that there are no expected dietary, occupational, or non-
occupational risks of mutagenicity with regard to new food uses.
    3. Subchronic toxicity. Polyoxin D zinc salt has very low 
subchronic oral toxicity, and demonstrates a lack of dietary risk at 
the subchronic level. In a 90-Day Oral Toxicity study on rats (OPPTS 
870.3100; MRID 47145101), polyoxin D zinc salt technical was 
administered to ten rats. There were no toxicologically significant 
treatment-related effects on mortality. Neurological assessments, 
urinalysis, ophthalmology, hematology, clinical chemistry, and gross 
and histologic pathology found no clinical signs of toxicologically 
significant treatment-related effects. The no-observed-adverse-effect 
level (NOAEL) in this study is 20,000 parts per million (ppm) (1,333 
mg/kg/day) in females and 2,000 ppm (119 mg/kg/day) in males. The 
lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) in males is 20,000 ppm 
(1,166 mg/kg/day) based on decreased body

[[Page 69562]]

weight (bw) gain, food consumption and food efficiency; a LOAEL was not 
observed in females. Based on the lack of meaningful subchronic 
toxicological endpoints for the technical grade active ingredient 
(TGAI), the fungi-exclusive mode of action as a chitin synthetase 
inhibitor, and the related lack of toxic oral effect in mammals, there 
are no subchronic oral toxicity concerns with polyoxin D zinc salt. It 
is further noted that the proposed use patterns for this active 
ingredient are not expected to result in any repeated and/or long-term 
exposure by either the dermal or inhalation routes; and as a result, no 
dermal or inhalation subchronic studies are required to establish this 
food use.
    4. Developmental toxicity. Data demonstrate that polyoxin D zinc 
salt is not a developmental or reproductive toxicant. These findings 
further confirm polyoxin D zinc salt's lack of mammalian toxicity, and 
demonstrate a lack of dietary effect consistent with its fungi-
exclusive mode of action. A Tier III Two Generation Reproduction 
Toxicity Study (OPPTS 870.3800; MRID 47120904) on rats showed no 
parental systemic toxicity or differences in bw gain of either 
generation. No abnormal clinical signs were observed during the study 
period in any generation. No significant differences were found between 
treated and control groups with regard to the average number of live 
births per litter, average bw of live pups, ossification failure of the 
chest ossification center, or bone variation. No differences were found 
in the number of stillbirths and weaning rate. No specific 
abnormalities in postnatal growth or general behavior was found between 
treated and control groups. No differences were detected in mating, 
pregnancy, delivery, or nursing rate by generation between the treated 
and control groups. No chemical effects were found in males or females. 
The reproductive NOAEL for polyoxin D zinc salt is 1%; a LOAEL was not 
identified. Again, the data indicate the fungistatic nature of active 
ingredient and the capacity of polyoxin D zinc salt to pass through 
mammalian digestive systems. In sum, the study demonstrated a clear 
lack of reproductive toxicity regarding dietary exposure and supports 
the Agency's conclusion that there is no risk of developmental toxicity 
associated with the new food uses.
    5. Immunotoxicity. Polyoxin D zinc salt is not immunotoxic on a 
dietary basis. No meaningful immunotoxicity endpoints (i.e., dietarily 
possible) for polyoxin D zinc salt were identified. In an 
immunotoxicity study based on dietary exposure (OPPTS 870.7800; MRID 
47120901), polyoxin D zinc salt technical was administered to mice in 
their diet for 28 days at various concentrations. There were no 
compound-related deaths or effects on clinical observations, bw or food 
consumption. There were no compound-related macroscopic findings noted, 
and organ weights were unaffected. There were no compound-related 
effects on the humoral immune response to the T-dependent antigen, 
sRBC. This study shows the lack of dietary risk posed by the 
immunotoxicity of polyoxin D zinc salt residues, and supports the 
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance by further demonstrating 
a lack of toxic endpoints.
    6. Chronic exposure/oncogenicity. Based on the data, polyoxin D 
zinc salt is not a chronic toxicant or oncogen. Results of chronic 
toxicity/oncogenicity studies (MRIDs 432618-38 and -39) indicated that 
there were no significant toxicity or oncogenic responses in mice dosed 
with polyoxin D zinc salt over 2 years. The NOAEL was determined to be 
2,058.7 mg TGAI/kg bw/day in males and 2,469.8 mg TGAI/kg bw/day in 
females. The data show the lack of chronic toxicity/oncogenicity posed 
by dietary exposure to polyoxin D zinc salt, and further demonstrate 
the fungistatic nature of the active ingredient - i.e. polyoxin D zinc 
salt can pass through the mammalian digestive system regularly without 
toxic effect.
    7. Effects on immune and endocrine systems. There is no available 
evidence demonstrating that polyoxin D zinc salt acts is an endocrine 
disruptor in humans. Based on negative responses obtained from 
developmental toxicity studies, chronic exposure studies, and 
oncogenicity studies (MRIDs 432618-36, -38 and -39), no adverse effects 
to the endocrine or immune systems are known or expected. The lack of 
evidence of endocrine disruption is consistent with polyoxin D zinc 
salt's non-toxic profile, and supports this exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance.

IV. Aggregate Exposures

    In examining aggregate exposure, section 408 of FFDCA directs EPA 
to consider available information concerning exposures from the 
pesticide residue in food and all other non-occupational exposures, 
including drinking water from ground water or surface water and 
exposure through pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or buildings 
(residential and other indoor uses).

A. Dietary Exposure

    Dietary risks to humans are considered negligible based on the lack 
of dietary toxicological endpoints for polyoxin D zinc salt, and its 
non-toxic mode of action as a fungi-specific chitin synthetase 
inhibitor that passes through mammalian digestive systems. No acute, 
subchronic, mutagenic, immunotoxic, reproductive, or chronic dietary 
toxicity hazards were identified in any of the studies used to support 
this exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. Based on polyoxin D 
zinc salt's virtual dietary non-toxicity for mammals, no aggregate 
dietary exposure concerns are expected.
    1. Food. A Terrestrial Exposure Model (T-Rex, v. 1.2.3; EPA, 2005) 
used to calculate terrestrial residue data confirms that it is highly 
unlikely that there will be adverse effects resulting from the use of 
polyoxin D zinc salt via the oral route of exposure. EPA's T-Rex 
calculations delimit aggregate consumption of residues to no more than 
40 ppm polyoxin D zinc salt, a level that is far below the highest 
doses used in any of the toxicity testing. T-Rex residue modeling, 
findings of negligible toxicity, and information confirming polyoxin D 
zinc salt's fungi-specific mode of action demonstrate a lack of 
aggregate dietary risk sufficient to support this exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance.
    2. Drinking water exposure. There is a small potential for trace 
amounts of polyoxin D zinc salt to enter ground water or other drinking 
water sources after a significant rainfall and surface water runoff, 
and from incidental spray drift. While the active ingredient does 
degrade in water over days, it still has the remote potential to reach 
drinking water sources. Nonetheless, any residues resulting from the 
scenarios in this unit are expected to be so diluted as to be 
negligible. As a result, even if there is drinking water exposure, a 
health risk to humans is considered negligible. Again, based on the 
lack of toxicological endpoints for polyoxin D zinc salt, and its non-
toxic fungi-specific mode of action as a chitin synthetase inhibitor, 
no dietary risks are expected with regard to drinking water exposure.

B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure

    No new non-occupational exposure is expected to result from the new 
agricultural uses of polyoxin D zinc salt. However, the Agency notes 
that no health risks are expected from any exposure to this active 
ingredient in any event. A 1997 risk assessment of polyoxin D zinc salt 
makes clear that

[[Page 69563]]

even the expected non-agricultural non-occupational exposures that are 
associated with this active ingredient pose negligible risks. Polyoxin 
D zinc salt is characterized by its negligible toxicity; it has a non-
toxic, fungistatic, fungi-specific mode of action, and it demonstrates 
no mammalian dietary effects.
    1. Dermal exposure. No new non-occupational dermal exposures are 
expected to result from the new agricultural uses of polyoxin D zinc 
salt. Any new dermal exposure associated with this new agricultural use 
pattern is expected to be occupational in nature.
    2. Inhalation exposure. No new non-occupational inhalation 
exposures are expected to result from the new agricultural uses of 
polyoxin D zinc salt. Any new inhalation exposure associated with this 
new agricultural use pattern is expected to be occupational in nature.

V. Cumulative Effects

    Pursuant to section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA, EPA has considered 
available information concerning the cumulative effects of polyoxin D 
zinc salt residues and other substances that have a common mechanism of 
toxicity. These considerations include the cumulative effects on 
infants and children of polyoxin D zinc salt residues and other 
substances with a common mechanism of toxicity. Because there is no 
indication of mammalian toxicity, the Agency concludes that there are 
no cumulative effects arising from polyoxin D zinc salt residues in or 
on almonds, cucurbit vegetables, fruiting vegetables, ginseng, grapes, 
pistachios, pome fruits, potatoes and strawberries.

VI. Determination of Safety for U.S. Population, Infants and Children

    Health risks to humans, including infants and children are 
considered negligible. There is a lack of meaningful toxicological 
endpoints for polyoxin D zinc salt. Moreover, polyoxin D zinc salt is 
defined by its fungistatic non-toxic mode of action, and demonstrates 
no mammalian effect. Accordingly, it is considered to have negligible 
toxicity, and there are no acute or chronic dietary risk concerns for 
sensitive subpopulations.
    1. U.S. population. The Agency has determined that there is 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the U.S. population 
from aggregated exposure to residues of polyoxin D zinc salt. This 
includes all dietary exposures and other exposures for which there is 
reliable information. The Agency has arrived at this conclusion based 
on polyoxin D zinc salt's non-toxic fungi-specific mode of action, and 
its observed non-toxic effect on mammals. The Agency finds that the 
combination of registered turf use and the proposed crop uses of 
polyoxin D zinc salt has a reasonable certainty of no harm to the U.S. 
population.
    2. Infants and children. Section 408 of FFDCA provides that EPA 
shall apply an additional tenfold margin of exposure (safety) for 
infants and children in the case of threshold effects to account for 
prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database 
unless the EPA determines that a different margin of exposure (safety) 
will be safe for infants and children. Based on all the reliable 
available information the Agency reviewed on polyoxin D zinc salt, the 
Agency concludes that there are no residual uncertainties for prenatal/
postnatal toxicity resulting from polyoxin D zinc salt, and that 
polyoxin D zinc salt has relatively low toxicity to mammals from a 
dietary standpoint, including infants and children. Accordingly, there 
are no threshold effects of concern and an additional margin of safety 
is not necessary to protect infants and children. Indeed, the available 
data indicate that polyoxin D zinc salt has very low toxicity, 
including to infants and children, and no increased sensitivity of 
infants or children was indicated in any of the laboratory studies. In 
sum, there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to infants and children 
with regard to the proposed food uses of polyoxin D zinc salt.

VII. Other Considerations

A. Endocrine Disruptors

    Based on available data, no endocrine system-related effects have 
been identified with the consumption of polyoxin D zinc salt. No 
evidence of endocrine system effects was observed in the 
immunotoxicity, subchronic, chronic, teratology or reproduction 
studies.

B. Analytical Method

    Through this action, the Agency proposes an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance of polyoxin D zinc salt when used on 
almonds, cucurbit vegetables, fruiting vegetables, ginseng, grapes, 
pistachios, pome fruits, potatoes and/or strawberries, without any 
numerical limitations for residues. EPA has determined that residues 
resulting from the pesticidal uses of polyoxin D zinc salt would as a 
matter of viable application be low, and that there are no significant 
toxicity concerns regarding this active ingredient. As a result, the 
Agency has concluded that an analytical method is not required for 
enforcement purposes for this proposed use of polyoxin D zinc salt.

C. Codex Maximum Residue Level

    Through this action, the Agency proposes an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance of polyoxin D zinc salt when used on 
almonds, cucurbit vegetables, fruiting vegetables, ginseng, grapes, 
pistachios, pome fruits, potatoes and/or strawberries, without any 
numerical limitations for residues. EPA has determined that residues 
resulting from the pesticidal uses of polyoxin D zinc salt would as a 
matter of viable application be low, and that there are no significant 
toxicity concerns regarding this active ingredient. As a result, the 
Agency has concluded that an analytical method is not required for 
enforcement purposes for this proposed use of polyoxin D zinc salt.

VIII. Conclusions

    Based on the information submitted, and other information available 
to the Agency, EPA is establishing an exemption from the tolerance 
requirements pursuant to section 408(c) of FFDCA for residues of 
polyoxin D zinc salt in or on almonds, cucurbit vegetables, fruiting 
vegetables, ginseng, grapes, pistachios, pome fruits, potatoes and 
strawberries.

IX. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This final rule establishes a tolerance under section 408(d) of 
FFDCA in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from 
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and 
Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this final rule has been 
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this final rule is 
not subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled Actions Concerning 
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or 
Use (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled 
Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks 
(62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This final rule does not contain any 
information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., nor does it require any 
special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled Federal 
Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and 
Low-Income Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).

[[Page 69564]]

    Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis 
of a petition under section 408(d) of FFDCA, such as the tolerance in 
this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.) do not apply.
    This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food 
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this 
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and 
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions 
of section 408(n)(4) of FFDCA. As such, the Agency has determined that 
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or 
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government 
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between 
the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has 
determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled Federalism (64 FR 
43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled 
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR 
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this final rule. In addition, 
this final rule does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any 
unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Public Law 104-4).
    This action does not involve any technical standards that would 
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant 
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 
note).

X. Congressional Review Act

    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., generally 
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating 
the rule must submit a rule report to each House of the Congress and to 
the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report 
containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. Senate, 
the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the 
United States prior to publication of this final rule in the Federal 
Register. This final rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 
U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: November 11, 2008.
Debra Edwards,
Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.

0
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.


0
2. Section 180.1285 is added to subpart D to read as follows:


Sec.  180.1285  Polyoxin D zinc salt; exemption from the requirement of 
a tolerance.

    An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for 
the residues of the biochemical pesticide polyoxin D zinc when used as 
a fungicide on almonds, cucurbit vegetables, fruiting vegetables, 
ginseng, grapes, pistachios, pome fruits, potatoes and strawberries.
[FR Doc. E8-27485 Filed 11-18-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S