[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 52 (Thursday, March 17, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15097-15100]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05530]



[[Page 15097]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0551; FRL-9348-01-OCSPP]


Tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) and Its Metabolite 
Diacetylethylenediamine (DAED); Exemption From the Requirement of a 
Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This regulation amends an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance for residues of tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) and its 
metabolite diacetylethylenediamine (DAED) by expanding its use in or on 
all food commodities, when used as a fungicide and bactericide in 
accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. The 
Lubrizol Corporation, 29400 Lakeland Blvd., Wickliffe, OH 44092, 
submitted a petition, pursuant to section 408(d) of the Federal Food, 
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a(d), to amend 40 CFR 
180.1327. 40 CFR 180.1327 currently provides for an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance for residues of the pesticide, 
tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), and its metabolite 
diacetylethylenediamine (DAED), in or on rice and strawberries, when 
used as a fungicide and bactericide in accordance with label directions 
and good agricultural practices. This regulation eliminates the need to 
establish a maximum permissible level for residues of 
tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) or its metabolite 
diacetylethylenediamine (DAED) when used in accordance with this 
exemption.

DATES: This regulation is effective March 17, 2022. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before May 16, 2022 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-2021-0551, 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.
    Due to the public health concerns related to COVID-19, the EPA 
Docket Center (EPA/DC) and Reading Room is closed to visitors with 
limited exceptions. The staff continues to provide remote customer 
service via email, phone, and webform. For the latest status 
information on EPA/DC services and docket access, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Smith, Biopesticides and 
Pollution Prevention Division (7511P), 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 40 CFR 
part 180 through the Office of the Federal Register's e-CFR site at 
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title40.

C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?

    Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a(g), 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-2021-0551 in the subject line on the first 
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must 
be in writing and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before 
May 16, 2022. 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 (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-2021-0551, 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. Background and Statutory Findings

    In the Federal Register of September 22, 2021 (86 FR 52624) (FRL-
8792-03-OCSPP), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 
408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide 
tolerance petition (PP 9F8781) by The Lubrizol Corporation, 29400 
Lakeland Blvd., Wickliffe, OH, 44092. The petition requested that 40 
CFR 180.1327 be amended by amending the existing exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance for residues of tetraacetylethylenediamine 
(TAED) and its metabolite diacetylethylenediamine (DAED) by expanding 
it to in or on all food commodities, when used as a fungicide and 
bactericide in accordance with label directions and good agricultural 
practices. That document referenced a

[[Page 15098]]

summary of the petition prepared by the petitioner, The Lubrizol 
Corporation, which is available in the docket, https://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response to the 
notice of filing.

III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an 
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a 
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that 
the 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 FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), in 
establishing or maintaining in effect an exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance, EPA must take into account the factors set forth in 
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C), 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, FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D) 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 establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only 
in those cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that the risks from 
aggregate exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably 
foreseeable circumstances will pose no harm to human health. If EPA is 
able to determine that a tolerance is not necessary to ensure that 
there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate 
exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance may be established.
    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(A), and the factors 
specified in FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), EPA has reviewed the available 
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this 
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a 
determination on aggregate exposure for TAED and DAED including 
exposure resulting from the exemption established by this action. EPA's 
assessment of exposures and risks associated with TAED and DAED 
follows.

A. Toxicological Profile

    TAED is an analiphatic amide that is approved as a pesticide active 
ingredient for food and non-food uses. It is also is listed by the Food 
and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a bleaching agent in the 
manufacture of food-contact paper and paperboard products (21 CFR 
176.170).
    TAED rapidly degrades to form diacetylethylenediamine (DAED), 
peroxyacetic acid (PAA), and hydrogen peroxide when exposed to water. 
DAED is considered to be of similar or less toxicity than TAED. 
Hydrogen peroxide and peroxyacetic acid are exempt from the requirement 
of a tolerance under 40 CFR 180.1197 and 180.1196(c), respectively. 
Food uses for TAED in or on rice and strawberries are supported by 40 
CFR 180.1327, which currently provides for an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance for residues TAED and DAED in or on rice and 
strawberries, when used as a fungicide and bactericide in accordance 
with label directions and good agricultural practices. As a non-food 
pesticidal use, TAED is used on various non-bearing fruit trees, 
ornamentals and grasses. For all uses, dietary exposure to TAED is 
expected to be minimal due to TAED's physical and chemical properties 
and ready biodegradation in the environment.
    With regard to the overall toxicological profile, TAED is of 
minimal toxicity. Based on acute studies, TAED is of low acute oral 
toxicity and acute inhalation toxicity (Toxicity Category IV), low 
acute dermal toxicity (Toxicity Category III) and is non-irritating to 
the skin and eye (Toxicity Category IV). The chemical is not a skin 
sensitizer. DAED is considered to be of similar or less toxicity than 
TAED. All data requirements were satisfied by guideline studies for 
subchronic toxicity (90-day oral, 90-day inhalation and 90-day dermal), 
developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity and mutagenicity data 
requirements. There were no adverse subchronic effects for any oral or 
dermal routes of exposure. The active ingredient was determined to be 
non-mutagenic, and no adverse effects were identified relative to 
either developmental toxicity or reproductive toxicity. Based on this 
toxicological profile, EPA did not identify any toxicological endpoints 
of concern for TAED.

B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern

    No toxicological endpoint of concern has been identified for TAED 
or DAED.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food, feed uses, and drinking water. As 
part of its qualitative risk assessment for TAED, the Agency considered 
the potential for dietary exposure to residues of TAED and its 
degradate, DAED. EPA concludes that dietary (food and drinking water) 
exposures are likely to be negligible, due to the short half-life and 
biodegradable nature of TAED and DAED. Further, biodegradation of TAED 
and DAED yields the products water, nitrate, and ammonia, which are all 
found naturally in the environment and readily metabolized by 
microorganisms.
    2. From non-dietary exposure. A revaluation of the risk of 
occupational and residential (non-dietary) exposure to TAED and DAED 
was not conducted at this time. Previous EPA risk assessments support 
the uses on currently approved TAED product labels.
    3. 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 ``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 that TAED 
or DAED share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, 
and they do not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other 
substances. For the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA 
has assumed TAED and DAED do 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/pesticides/cumulative.

D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

    FFDCA Section 408(b)(2)(C) provides that EPA shall retain 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

[[Page 15099]]

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. An FQPA 
safety factor is not required at this time for TAED and its metabolite, 
DAED, because EPA has conducted a qualitative dietary assessment based 
on low toxicity and anticipated negligible exposure to the active 
ingredient.

E. Aggregate Risk

    Based on the available data and information, the EPA has concluded 
that a qualitative aggregate risk assessment is appropriate to support 
the pesticidal use of TAED and its metabolite, DAED, and that risks of 
concern are not anticipated from aggregate exposure to the substance or 
its metabolite, DAED. This conclusion is based on the low toxicity of 
the active ingredient and expected rapid degradation of TAED and DAED 
in the environment.
    A full explanation of the data upon which EPA relied and its risk 
assessment based on those data can be found within the July 22, 2021, 
document entitled ``Human Health Dietary Risk Assessment to Support a 
Tolerance Exemption Amendment for Warwick AG610 (EPA Reg. No. 59825-6), 
Containing 92% Tetraacetylethylenediamine as its Active Ingredient.'' 
This document, as well as other relevant information, is available in 
the docket for this action as described under ADDRESSES.

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

    Based on the Agency's assessment, EPA concludes that there is 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the U.S. population, 
including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to residues of 
TAED.

V. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since 
the Agency is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance without any numerical limitation.

B. International Residue Limits

    In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S. 
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent 
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA 
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established 
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA 
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations 
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food 
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety 
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United 
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from 
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain 
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
    The Codex has not established an MRL for tetraacetylethylenediamine 
(TAED) or its metabolite diacetylethylenediamine (DAED).

VI. Conclusions

    Therefore, EPA is amending the currently established exemption for 
residues of tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) and its metabolite 
diacetylethylenediamine (DAED) to include use in or on all food 
commodities--no longer limiting food use to strawberries and rice, when 
used as a fungicide and bactericide in accordance with label directions 
and good agricultural practices.

VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action amends an exemption from the requirement of 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). 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).

VIII. 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.


[[Page 15100]]


    Dated: March 10, 2022.
Charles Smith,
Director, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division, Office of 
Pesticide Programs.

    Therefore, for the reasons stated in the preamble, EPA is amending 
40 CFR chapter I as follows:

PART 180--TOLERANCES AND EXEMPTIONS FOR PESTICIDE CHEMICAL RESIDUES 
IN FOOD

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. Revise Sec.  180.1327 to read as follows:


Sec.  180.1327   Tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) and its metabolite 
Diacetylethylenediamine (DAED); Exemption from the Requirement of a 
Tolerance.

    An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for 
residues of the pesticide, tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), and its 
metabolite diacetylethylenediamine (DAED), in or on all food 
commodities, when used as a fungicide and bactericide in accordance 
with label directions and good agricultural practices.

[FR Doc. 2022-05530 Filed 3-16-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P