Pesticide Updates

Methyl Parathion Tolerance Revocations; effective Jan. 1, 2001 EPA Press Release, Jan. 5, 2001

Under authority of The Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), EPA published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the revocation (elimination) of 30 tolerances (maximum permissible residue levels) for the organophosphate pesticide methyl parathion. The tolerance revocation affects a variety of crops, including apples, broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, celery, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, and green (snap) beans. This action follows up on the Aug. 1999 voluntary industry cancellation of these and certain other uses of methyl parathion. The uses were canceled based upon EPA's determination that acute dietary risks from methyl parathion in food did not meet current safety standards, especially for the protection of children. Under terms of the voluntary agreement between EPA and the companies that produce methyl parathion, this pesticide can not be used on these food crops after Dec. 31, 1999. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing guidance for foods that have been legally treated with methyl parathion prior to Dec.1999. FQPA ensures that legally treated foods are allowed to be marketed in commerce without any disruptions. Further details about this action and the FDA guidance are available at: www.epa.gov/fedrgstr (Also see the January 2001 issue of “The Vegetable Grower News,” Sparta, MI).

Co-Editors: Bill Hutchison, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, hutch002@tc.umn.edu
Jeanne Ciborowski, IPM Program, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, jeanne.ciborowski@state.mn.us
Cindy Tong, Department of Horticulture, University of Minnesota, ctong@extension.umn.edu
Production Editor: Suzanne Wold, Research Specialist, University of Minnesota, woldx018@tc.umn.edu

Disclaimer
Reference to products in this publication is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may have similar uses. Any person using products listed in this publication assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer

Last Revised January 24, 2001.
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