80_FR_78387 80 FR 78146 - Choline Chloride; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

80 FR 78146 - Choline Chloride; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 241 (December 16, 2015)

Page Range78146-78149
FR Document2015-31464

This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the Choline Chloride (Acetyl Choline) in or on all food commodities when applied/used pre-harvest and used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. CP Bio, Inc., 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 Choline Chloride.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 241 (Wednesday, December 16, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 241 (Wednesday, December 16, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78146-78149]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-31464]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0023; FRL-9935-81]


Choline Chloride; 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 Choline Chloride (Acetyl Choline) in 
or on all food commodities when applied/used pre-harvest and used in 
accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. CP 
Bio, Inc., 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 Choline Chloride.

DATES: This regulation is effective December 16, 2015. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before February 16, 2016, 
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-2015-0023, is available at http://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 http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert McNally, 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: BPPDFRNotices@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).
     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 Government Printing Office's e-CFR site at http://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-2015-0023 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 
February 16, 2016. 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-2015-0023, by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://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 http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html. Additional 
instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along with more 
information about dockets generally, is available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Background and Statutory Findings

    In the Federal Register of March 4, 2015 (80 FR 11611) (FRL-9922-
68), 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 4F8287) by CP Bio, Inc., 4802 Murrieta Street, Chino, CA 
91710. The petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be amended by 
establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for 
residues of Choline Chloride in or on all food commodities (when 
applied pre-harvest). That document referenced a summary of the 
petition prepared by the petitioner CP Bio, Inc., which is available in 
the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. There were no substantive 
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 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

[[Page 78147]]

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 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 FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), 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.

A. Overview of Choline Chloride

    Choline Chloride is an ammonium salt that readily dissociates into 
two constituents--Choline and Chloride. It presents as a white 
crystalline solid that is odorless. Each constituent is ubiquitous in 
the environment, constitutes a regular part of the human diet, and 
serves many critical functions in the human body. Choline is found in 
such foods as egg yolk, vegetables and animal fat. It is a precursor of 
a vital neurotransmitter; and it is critical for the structural 
integrity of cell membranes and various metabolic functions. Chloride 
is also a regular part of the human diet, particularly as a constituent 
of edible salt, and serves many functions in human biology. Chiefly, 
Chloride is an essential electrolyte responsible for maintaining acid/
base balance, transmitting nerve impulses and regulating fluid in and 
out of cells.
    Choline Chloride is already approved for use by EPA as an inert 
ingredient in pesticide products without numerical limitation for pre-
harvest use (40 CFR 180.920). Additionally, Choline Chloride is 
designated as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and is approved by 
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a human nutrient under 21 CFR 
182.8252 and as a nutrient in animal feeds under 21 CFR 582.5252.
    As a biopesticide, Choline Chloride is considered a plant growth 
regulator (PGR) intended for use to increase growth and decrease stress 
in growing crops. It has a non-toxic mode of action; and as with most 
PGRs, it is applied at low concentrations because use at high 
concentrations result in detrimental effects to the plant.

B. Biochemical Pesticide Toxicology Data Requirements

    All applicable mammalian toxicology data requirements supporting 
the petition to establish an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance for the use of Choline Chloride as an active ingredient for 
use as a PGR on food crops have been fulfilled. All acute toxicology 
data requirements were fulfilled through guideline studies. The Acute 
Oral Toxicity Category is III; all other categories are IV. 
Additionally, the information submitted in support of the application 
indicate that Choline Chloride is non-mutagenic and that it is not 
subchronically or developmentally toxic. Subchronic oral toxicity, 
mutagenicity and developmental toxicity data requirements were 
satisfied through scientific literature. Subchronic dermal and 
inhalation requirements were waived for lack of exposure. (A complete 
assessment of the toxicology submission for Choline Chloride can be 
found in the docket.)

C. EPA's Safety Determination

    EPA evaluated the available toxicity and exposure data on Choline 
Chloride and considered its validity, completeness, and reliability, as 
well as the relationship of this information to human risk. A full 
explanation of the data upon which EPA relied and its risk assessment 
based on that data can be found within the August 11, 2015, document 
entitled ``Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) Considerations 
for Choline Chloride.'' This document, as well as other relevant 
information, is available in the docket for this action as described 
under ADDRESSES. Based upon its evaluation, EPA concludes that there is 
a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the U.S. population, 
including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to residues of 
Choline Chloride. Therefore, an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance is established for residues of Choline Chloride in or on all 
food commodities when applied pre-harvest and used in accordance with 
label directions and good agricultural practices.

IV. Aggregate Exposures

    In examining aggregate exposure, FFDCA section 408 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

    Food Exposure. Dietary exposure to the pesticidal residues of 
Choline Chloride is expected to be negligible. (1) Choline Chloride is 
a PGR and is necessarily applied at low concentrations. (High 
concentrations result in detrimental effects to the plant). (2) Choline 
Chloride biodegrades rapidly. A MITI-I test demonstrated that Choline 
Chloride is 93% degraded within 14 days. (3) As a salt, Choline 
Chloride dissociates readily when in contact with water, making its 
persistence as a residue even more unlikely.
    Should exposure occur, however, minimal to no risk is expected for 
the general population, including infants and children. Notably, humans 
are already dietarily exposed to Choline Chloride. It is produced 
endogenously, and is found naturally in foods in the human diet. 
Indeed, it is considered an essential human dietary component, serving 
critical functions in nerve transmission, cell membrane integrity and 
lipid metabolism.
    Drinking Water Exposure. No significant residues of Choline 
Chloride are expected in drinking water when products are used 
according to label instructions. The active ingredient is applied 
terrestrially at low concentrations; it is very soluble in water; and 
it biodegrades rapidly, once applied. As such, any residues of Choline 
Chloride in drinking water are anticipated to be negligible.
    It should be additionally noted that both Choline and Chloride, the 
constituents of Choline Chloride, are ubiquitous in the environment; 
and there is a long history of incidental, but minor, exposure through 
drinking water.

B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure

    Non-occupational exposure to Choline Chloride residues are not 
expected. Choline Chloride is not intended for use in residential 
settings; it is intended for agricultural use only.

[[Page 78148]]

Nonetheless, even in the event of incidental exposure, minimal to no 
risk is expected due to the low toxicity of the chemical as explained 
in the risk assessment found in the docket.

V. 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 Choline Chloride to share a common mechanism of 
toxicity with any other substances, and Choline Chloride does not 
appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For 
the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that 
Choline Chloride 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 Web site at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.

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

    FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C) provides that, in considering the 
establishment of a tolerance or tolerance exemption for a pesticide 
chemical residue, the EPA shall assess the available information about 
consumption patterns among infants and children, special susceptibility 
of infants and children to pesticide chemical residues, and the 
cumulative effects on infants and children of the residues and other 
substances with a common mechanism of toxicity. In addition, FFDCA 
section 408(b)(2)(C) provides that the 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 the 
EPA determines that a different margin of safety will be safe for 
infants and children. This additional margin of safety is commonly 
referred to as the Food Quality Protection Act Safety Factor. In 
applying this provision, the EPA either retains the default value of 
10X, or uses a different additional or no safety factor when reliable 
data are available to support a different additional or no safety 
factor.
    Because there are no threshold effects associated with this 
biochemical, an additional margin of safety for infants and children is 
not necessary.
    EPA has determined that there are no foreseeable dietary risks to 
the U.S. population, including infants and children, from the 
pesticidal use of Choline Chloride. Exposure to the residues of Choline 
Chloride is expected to be negligible due to the low concentrations 
associated with its use as a PGR, its high solubility and its rapid 
biodegradability. Moreover, any exposure to Choline Chloride residues 
are not expected to pose a risk. No toxic endpoints have been 
identified for Choline Chloride. There has been a long history of 
significant human dietary and endogenous exposure without documented 
incident. And the constituents of Choline Chloride are known to be 
readily metabolized.

VII. 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 a MRL for Choline Chloride.

VIII. Conclusions

    Based on its assessment of Choline Chloride, 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 
Choline Chloride. EPA is therefore establishing an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance for residues of Choline Chloride in or on 
all food commodities when applied pre-harvest in accordance with label 
directions and good agricultural practices.

 IX. 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). 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

[[Page 78149]]

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).

X. 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: December 1, 2015.
Jack E. Housenger,
Director, 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. Add Sec.  180.1334 to subpart D to read as follows:


Sec.  180.1334  Choline Chloride; Exemption from the Requirement of a 
Tolerance.

    An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for 
residues of Choline Chloride in or on all food commodities when Choline 
Chloride is applied pre-harvest and used in accordance with label 
directions and good agricultural practices.

[FR Doc. 2015-31464 Filed 12-15-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                            78146        Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 241 / Wednesday, December 16, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                            *      *     *       *      *                           number: (703) 305–7090; email address:                2015–0023, by one of the following
                                            [FR Doc. 2015–31518 Filed 12–15–15; 8:45 am]            BPPDFRNotices@epa.gov.                                methods:
                                            BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
                                                                                                                                                          www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
                                                                                                    I. General Information                                instructions for submitting comments.
                                            ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                                A. Does this action apply to me?                      Do not submit electronically any
                                            AGENCY                                                                                                        information you consider to be CBI or
                                                                                                       You may be potentially affected by                 other information whose disclosure is
                                            40 CFR Part 180                                         this action if you are an agricultural                restricted by statute.
                                                                                                    producer, food manufacturer, or                         • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental
                                            [EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0023; FRL–9935–81]                     pesticide manufacturer. The following                 Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/
                                                                                                    list of North American Industrial                     DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
                                            Choline Chloride; Exemption From the
                                                                                                    Classification System (NAICS) codes is                NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.
                                            Requirement of a Tolerance
                                                                                                    not intended to be exhaustive, but rather               • Hand Delivery: To make special
                                            AGENCY:  Environmental Protection                       provides a guide to help readers                      arrangements for hand delivery or
                                            Agency (EPA).                                           determine whether this document                       delivery of boxed information, please
                                            ACTION: Final rule.                                     applies to them. Potentially affected                 follow the instructions at http://
                                                                                                    entities may include:                                 www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
                                            SUMMARY:   This regulation establishes an                  • Crop production (NAICS code 111).                Additional instructions on commenting
                                            exemption from the requirement of a                        • Animal production (NAICS code                    or visiting the docket, along with more
                                            tolerance for residues of the Choline                   112).                                                 information about dockets generally, is
                                            Chloride (Acetyl Choline) in or on all                     • Food manufacturing (NAICS code                   available at http://www.epa.gov/
                                            food commodities when applied/used                      311).                                                 dockets.
                                            pre-harvest and used in accordance with                    • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
                                                                                                    code 32532).                                          II. Background and Statutory Findings
                                            label directions and good agricultural
                                            practices. CP Bio, Inc., submitted a                                                                             In the Federal Register of March 4,
                                                                                                    B. How can I get electronic access to                 2015 (80 FR 11611) (FRL–9922–68),
                                            petition to EPA under the Federal Food,                 other related information?
                                            Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA),                                                                               EPA issued a document pursuant to
                                            requesting an exemption from the                          You may access a frequently updated                 FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C.
                                            requirement of a tolerance. This                        electronic version of 40 CFR part 180                 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a
                                            regulation eliminates the need to                       through the Government Printing                       pesticide tolerance petition (PP 4F8287)
                                            establish a maximum permissible level                   Office’s e-CFR site at http://                        by CP Bio, Inc., 4802 Murrieta Street,
                                            for residues of Choline Chloride.                       www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-                            Chino, CA 91710. The petition
                                                                                                    idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/                  requested that 40 CFR part 180 be
                                            DATES: This regulation is effective
                                                                                                    40tab_02.tpl.                                         amended by establishing an exemption
                                            December 16, 2015. Objections and
                                                                                                                                                          from the requirement of a tolerance for
                                            requests for hearings must be received                  C. How can I file an objection or hearing             residues of Choline Chloride in or on all
                                            on or before February 16, 2016, and                     request?                                              food commodities (when applied pre-
                                            must be filed in accordance with the                      Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21                      harvest). That document referenced a
                                            instructions provided in 40 CFR part                    U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an                   summary of the petition prepared by the
                                            178 (see also Unit I.C. of the                          objection to any aspect of this regulation            petitioner CP Bio, Inc., which is
                                            SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
                                                                                                    and may also request a hearing on those               available in the docket, http://
                                            ADDRESSES: The docket for this action,                  objections. You must file your objection              www.regulations.gov. There were no
                                            identified by docket identification (ID)                or request a hearing on this regulation               substantive comments received in
                                            number EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0023, is                         in accordance with the instructions                   response to the notice of filing.
                                            available at http://www.regulations.gov                 provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure                   Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
                                            or at the Office of Pesticide Programs                  proper receipt by EPA, you must                       allows EPA to establish an exemption
                                            Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)                   identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–                     from the requirement for a tolerance (the
                                            in the Environmental Protection Agency                  OPP–2015–0023 in the subject line on                  legal limit for a pesticide chemical
                                            Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William                    the first page of your submission. All                residue in or on a food) only if EPA
                                            Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301                 objections and requests for a hearing                 determines that the exemption is ‘‘safe.’’
                                            Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC                   must be in writing, and must be                       Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
                                            20460–0001. The Public Reading Room                     received by the Hearing Clerk on or                   defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
                                            is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,                    before February 16, 2016. Addresses for               reasonable certainty that no harm will
                                            Monday through Friday, excluding legal                  mail and hand delivery of objections                  result from aggregate exposure to the
                                            holidays. The telephone number for the                  and hearing requests are provided in 40               pesticide chemical residue, including
                                            Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,                  CFR 178.25(b).                                        all anticipated dietary exposures and all
                                            and the telephone number for the OPP                      In addition to filing an objection or               other exposures for which there is
                                            Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review                 hearing request with the Hearing Clerk                reliable information.’’ This includes
                                            the visitor instructions and additional                 as described in 40 CFR part 178, please               exposure through drinking water and in
                                            information about the docket available                  submit a copy of the filing (excluding                residential settings, but does not include
                                            at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.                          any Confidential Business Information                 occupational exposure. Pursuant to
                                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.            FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), in
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                            Robert McNally, Biopesticides and                       Information not marked confidential                   establishing or maintaining in effect an
                                            Pollution Prevention Division (7511P),                  pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be                      exemption from the requirement of a
                                            Office of Pesticide Programs,                           disclosed publicly by EPA without prior               tolerance, EPA must take into account
                                            Environmental Protection Agency, 1200                   notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your               the factors set forth in FFDCA section
                                            Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,                      objection or hearing request, identified              408(b)(2)(C), which require EPA to give
                                            DC 20460–0001; main telephone                           by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–                       special consideration to exposure of


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                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 241 / Wednesday, December 16, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                          78147

                                            infants and children to the pesticide                   Administration (FDA) as a human                       directions and good agricultural
                                            chemical residue in establishing a                      nutrient under 21 CFR 182.8252 and as                 practices.
                                            tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a               a nutrient in animal feeds under 21 CFR
                                                                                                                                                          IV. Aggregate Exposures
                                            reasonable certainty that no harm will                  582.5252.
                                            result to infants and children from                        As a biopesticide, Choline Chloride is               In examining aggregate exposure,
                                            aggregate exposure to the pesticide                     considered a plant growth regulator                   FFDCA section 408 directs EPA to
                                            chemical residue.–. . . ’’ Additionally,                (PGR) intended for use to increase                    consider available information
                                            FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D) requires                     growth and decrease stress in growing                 concerning exposures from the pesticide
                                            that the Agency consider ‘‘available                    crops. It has a non-toxic mode of action;             residue in food and all other non-
                                            information concerning the cumulative                   and as with most PGRs, it is applied at               occupational exposures, including
                                            effects of a particular pesticide’s                     low concentrations because use at high                drinking water from ground water or
                                            residues’’ and ‘‘other substances that                  concentrations result in detrimental                  surface water and exposure through
                                            have a common mechanism of toxicity.’’                  effects to the plant.                                 pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or
                                               EPA performs a number of analyses to                                                                       buildings (residential and other indoor
                                            determine the risks from aggregate                      B. Biochemical Pesticide Toxicology                   uses).
                                            exposure to pesticide residues. First,                  Data Requirements
                                                                                                                                                          A. Dietary Exposure
                                            EPA determines the toxicity of                            All applicable mammalian toxicology
                                            pesticides. Second, EPA examines                                                                                 Food Exposure. Dietary exposure to
                                                                                                    data requirements supporting the
                                            exposure to the pesticide through food,                                                                       the pesticidal residues of Choline
                                                                                                    petition to establish an exemption from
                                            drinking water, and through other                                                                             Chloride is expected to be negligible. (1)
                                                                                                    the requirement of a tolerance for the
                                            exposures that occur as a result of                                                                           Choline Chloride is a PGR and is
                                                                                                    use of Choline Chloride as an active
                                            pesticide use in residential settings.                                                                        necessarily applied at low
                                                                                                    ingredient for use as a PGR on food
                                                                                                                                                          concentrations. (High concentrations
                                            III. Toxicological Profile                              crops have been fulfilled. All acute
                                                                                                                                                          result in detrimental effects to the
                                               Consistent with FFDCA section                        toxicology data requirements were
                                                                                                                                                          plant). (2) Choline Chloride biodegrades
                                            408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the                      fulfilled through guideline studies. The
                                                                                                                                                          rapidly. A MITI–I test demonstrated that
                                            available scientific data and other                     Acute Oral Toxicity Category is III; all
                                                                                                                                                          Choline Chloride is 93% degraded
                                            relevant information in support of this                 other categories are IV. Additionally, the
                                                                                                                                                          within 14 days. (3) As a salt, Choline
                                            action and considered its validity,                     information submitted in support of the
                                                                                                                                                          Chloride dissociates readily when in
                                            completeness and reliability, and the                   application indicate that Choline
                                                                                                                                                          contact with water, making its
                                            relationship of this information to                     Chloride is non-mutagenic and that it is
                                                                                                                                                          persistence as a residue even more
                                            human risk. EPA has also considered                     not subchronically or developmentally
                                                                                                                                                          unlikely.
                                            available information concerning the                    toxic. Subchronic oral toxicity,                         Should exposure occur, however,
                                            variability of the sensitivities of major               mutagenicity and developmental                        minimal to no risk is expected for the
                                            identifiable subgroups of consumers,                    toxicity data requirements were satisfied             general population, including infants
                                            including infants and children.                         through scientific literature. Subchronic             and children. Notably, humans are
                                                                                                    dermal and inhalation requirements                    already dietarily exposed to Choline
                                            A. Overview of Choline Chloride                         were waived for lack of exposure. (A                  Chloride. It is produced endogenously,
                                               Choline Chloride is an ammonium                      complete assessment of the toxicology                 and is found naturally in foods in the
                                            salt that readily dissociates into two                  submission for Choline Chloride can be                human diet. Indeed, it is considered an
                                            constituents—Choline and Chloride. It                   found in the docket.)                                 essential human dietary component,
                                            presents as a white crystalline solid that              C. EPA’s Safety Determination                         serving critical functions in nerve
                                            is odorless. Each constituent is                                                                              transmission, cell membrane integrity
                                            ubiquitous in the environment,                            EPA evaluated the available toxicity                and lipid metabolism.
                                            constitutes a regular part of the human                 and exposure data on Choline Chloride                    Drinking Water Exposure. No
                                            diet, and serves many critical functions                and considered its validity,                          significant residues of Choline Chloride
                                            in the human body. Choline is found in                  completeness, and reliability, as well as             are expected in drinking water when
                                            such foods as egg yolk, vegetables and                  the relationship of this information to               products are used according to label
                                            animal fat. It is a precursor of a vital                human risk. A full explanation of the                 instructions. The active ingredient is
                                            neurotransmitter; and it is critical for                data upon which EPA relied and its risk               applied terrestrially at low
                                            the structural integrity of cell                        assessment based on that data can be                  concentrations; it is very soluble in
                                            membranes and various metabolic                         found within the August 11, 2015,                     water; and it biodegrades rapidly, once
                                            functions. Chloride is also a regular part              document entitled ‘‘Federal Food, Drug,               applied. As such, any residues of
                                            of the human diet, particularly as a                    and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA)                              Choline Chloride in drinking water are
                                            constituent of edible salt, and serves                  Considerations for Choline Chloride.’’                anticipated to be negligible.
                                            many functions in human biology.                        This document, as well as other relevant                 It should be additionally noted that
                                            Chiefly, Chloride is an essential                       information, is available in the docket               both Choline and Chloride, the
                                            electrolyte responsible for maintaining                 for this action as described under                    constituents of Choline Chloride, are
                                            acid/base balance, transmitting nerve                   ADDRESSES. Based upon its evaluation,                 ubiquitous in the environment; and
                                            impulses and regulating fluid in and out                EPA concludes that there is a reasonable              there is a long history of incidental, but
                                            of cells.                                               certainty that no harm will result to the             minor, exposure through drinking
                                               Choline Chloride is already approved                 U.S. population, including infants and                water.
                                            for use by EPA as an inert ingredient in                children, from aggregate exposure to
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                                            pesticide products without numerical                    residues of Choline Chloride. Therefore,              B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure
                                            limitation for pre-harvest use (40 CFR                  an exemption from the requirement of a                   Non-occupational exposure to
                                            180.920). Additionally, Choline                         tolerance is established for residues of              Choline Chloride residues are not
                                            Chloride is designated as GRAS                          Choline Chloride in or on all food                    expected. Choline Chloride is not
                                            (Generally Recognized as Safe) and is                   commodities when applied pre-harvest                  intended for use in residential settings;
                                            approved by the Food and Drug                           and used in accordance with label                     it is intended for agricultural use only.


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                                            78148        Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 241 / Wednesday, December 16, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                            Nonetheless, even in the event of                       additional margin of safety for infants               harvest in accordance with label
                                            incidental exposure, minimal to no risk                 and children is not necessary.                        directions and good agricultural
                                            is expected due to the low toxicity of                    EPA has determined that there are no                practices.
                                            the chemical as explained in the risk                   foreseeable dietary risks to the U.S.
                                                                                                                                                          IX. Statutory and Executive Order
                                            assessment found in the docket.                         population, including infants and                     Reviews
                                            V. Cumulative Effects From Substances                   children, from the pesticidal use of
                                                                                                    Choline Chloride. Exposure to the                        This action establishes a tolerance
                                            With a Common Mechanism of Toxicity                                                                           under FFDCA section 408(d) in
                                                                                                    residues of Choline Chloride is expected
                                               Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA                     to be negligible due to the low                       response to a petition submitted to the
                                            requires that, when considering whether                 concentrations associated with its use as             Agency. The Office of Management and
                                            to establish, modify, or revoke a                       a PGR, its high solubility and its rapid              Budget (OMB) has exempted these types
                                            tolerance, the Agency consider                          biodegradability. Moreover, any                       of actions from review under Executive
                                            ‘‘available information’’ concerning the                exposure to Choline Chloride residues                 Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory
                                            cumulative effects of a particular                      are not expected to pose a risk. No toxic             Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735,
                                            pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other                        endpoints have been identified for                    October 4, 1993). Because this action
                                            substances that have a common                           Choline Chloride. There has been a long               has been exempted from review under
                                            mechanism of toxicity.’’                                history of significant human dietary and              Executive Order 12866, this action is
                                               EPA has not found Choline Chloride                   endogenous exposure without                           not subject to Executive Order 13211,
                                            to share a common mechanism of                          documented incident. And the                          entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning
                                            toxicity with any other substances, and                 constituents of Choline Chloride are                  Regulations That Significantly Affect
                                            Choline Chloride does not appear to                     known to be readily metabolized.                      Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66
                                            produce a toxic metabolite produced by                                                                        FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive
                                            other substances. For the purposes of                   VII. Other Considerations                             Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of
                                            this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has                                                                     Children from Environmental Health
                                                                                                    A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
                                            assumed that Choline Chloride does not                                                                        Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,
                                            have a common mechanism of toxicity                       An analytical method is not required                April 23, 1997). This action does not
                                            with other substances. For information                  for enforcement purposes since the                    contain any information collections
                                            regarding EPA’s efforts to determine                    Agency is establishing an exemption                   subject to OMB approval under the
                                            which chemicals have a common                           from the requirement of a tolerance                   Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44
                                            mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate                   without any numerical limitation.                     U.S.C. 3501 et seq., nor does it require
                                            the cumulative effects of such                          B. International Residue Limits                       any special considerations under
                                            chemicals, see EPA’s Web site at http://                                                                      Executive Order 12898, entitled
                                            www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.                        In making its tolerance decisions, EPA              ‘‘Federal Actions to Address
                                                                                                    seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with               Environmental Justice in Minority
                                            VI. Determination of Safety for U.S.                    international standards whenever                      Populations and Low-Income
                                            Population, Infants and Children                        possible, consistent with U.S. food                   Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,
                                               FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C) provides                  safety standards and agricultural                     1994).
                                            that, in considering the establishment of               practices. EPA considers the                             Since tolerances and exemptions that
                                            a tolerance or tolerance exemption for a                international maximum residue limits                  are established on the basis of a petition
                                            pesticide chemical residue, the EPA                     (MRLs) established by the Codex                       under FFDCA section 408(d), such as
                                            shall assess the available information                  Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as                   the tolerance in this final rule, do not
                                            about consumption patterns among                        required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).                  require the issuance of a proposed rule,
                                            infants and children, special                           The Codex Alimentarius is a joint                     the requirements of the Regulatory
                                            susceptibility of infants and children to               United Nations Food and Agriculture                   Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
                                            pesticide chemical residues, and the                    Organization/World Health                             seq.), do not apply.
                                            cumulative effects on infants and                       Organization food standards program,                     This action directly regulates growers,
                                            children of the residues and other                      and it is recognized as an international              food processors, food handlers, and food
                                            substances with a common mechanism                      food safety standards-setting                         retailers, not States or tribes, nor does
                                            of toxicity. In addition, FFDCA section                 organization in trade agreements to                   this action alter the relationships or
                                            408(b)(2)(C) provides that the EPA shall                which the United States is a party. EPA               distribution of power and
                                            apply an additional tenfold (10X)                       may establish a tolerance that is                     responsibilities established by Congress
                                            margin of safety for infants and children               different from a Codex MRL; however,                  in the preemption provisions of FFDCA
                                            in the case of threshold effects to                     FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that                 section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency
                                            account for prenatal and postnatal                      EPA explain the reasons for departing                 has determined that this action will not
                                            toxicity and the completeness of the                    from the Codex level.                                 have a substantial direct effect on States
                                            database on toxicity and exposure,                        The Codex has not established a MRL                 or tribal governments, on the
                                            unless the EPA determines that a                        for Choline Chloride.                                 relationship between the national
                                            different margin of safety will be safe for                                                                   government and the States or tribal
                                                                                                    VIII. Conclusions                                     governments, or on the distribution of
                                            infants and children. This additional
                                            margin of safety is commonly referred to                  Based on its assessment of Choline                  power and responsibilities among the
                                            as the Food Quality Protection Act                      Chloride, EPA concludes that there is a               various levels of government or between
                                            Safety Factor. In applying this                         reasonable certainty that no harm will                the Federal Government and Indian
                                            provision, the EPA either retains the                   result to the general population, or to               tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined
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                                            default value of 10X, or uses a different               infants and children, from aggregate                  that Executive Order 13132, entitled
                                            additional or no safety factor when                     exposure to Choline Chloride. EPA is                  ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10,
                                            reliable data are available to support a                therefore establishing an exemption                   1999) and Executive Order 13175,
                                            different additional or no safety factor.               from the requirement of a tolerance for               entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination
                                               Because there are no threshold effects               residues of Choline Chloride in or on all             with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR
                                            associated with this biochemical, an                    food commodities when applied pre-                    67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply


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                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 241 / Wednesday, December 16, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                              78149

                                            to this action. In addition, this action                Representatives, and the Comptroller                  PART 180—[AMENDED]
                                            does not impose any enforceable duty or                 General of the United States prior to
                                            contain any unfunded mandate as                         publication of the rule in the Federal                ■ 1. The authority citation for part 180
                                            described under Title II of the Unfunded                Register. This action is not a ‘‘major                continues to read as follows:
                                            Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.                    rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).                     Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
                                            1501 et seq.).
                                              This action does not involve any                      List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180                   ■ 2. Add § 180.1334 to subpart D to read
                                            technical standards that would require                                                                        as follows:
                                            Agency consideration of voluntary                         Environmental protection,
                                                                                                    Administrative practice and procedure,                § 180.1334 Choline Chloride; Exemption
                                            consensus standards pursuant to section                                                                       from the Requirement of a Tolerance.
                                            12(d) of the National Technology                        Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
                                                                                                    and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping                  An exemption from the requirement
                                            Transfer and Advancement Act
                                                                                                    requirements.                                         of a tolerance is established for residues
                                            (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
                                                                                                                                                          of Choline Chloride in or on all food
                                            X. Congressional Review Act                               Dated: December 1, 2015.                            commodities when Choline Chloride is
                                                                                                    Jack E. Housenger,                                    applied pre-harvest and used in
                                              Pursuant to the Congressional Review
                                            Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will                    Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.               accordance with label directions and
                                            submit a report containing this rule and                                                                      good agricultural practices.
                                                                                                      Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
                                            other required information to the U.S.                                                                        [FR Doc. 2015–31464 Filed 12–15–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                    amended as follows:
                                            Senate, the U.S. House of                                                                                     BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
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Document Created: 2015-12-16 01:01:06
Document Modified: 2015-12-16 01:01:06
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis regulation is effective December 16, 2015. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before February 16, 2016, and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ContactRobert McNally, 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
FR Citation80 FR 78146 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Administrative Practice and Procedure; Agricultural Commodities; Pesticides and Pests and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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