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Daily News Archive
From January 12, 2001

Methyl Parathion Tolerance Revocations to Take Effect

Under authority of The Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), on January 5, 2001, EPA published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the elimination of 30 tolerances for the organophosphate pesticide methyl parathion. The tolerance revocation affects a variety of crops, including apples, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, celery, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, and plums.

This action follows up on the August 1999 voluntary industry cancellation of these and certain other uses of methyl parathion. As with other organophosphates, 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 no longer be used on these food crops, as of December 31, 1999. However, consumers were legally exposed to produce treated with the pesticide before the December 1999 deadline, despite the cancellation decision. For more details about this action and FDA guidance visit: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr