96-18388. N-Acyl Sarcosines and Sodium N-Acyl Sarcosinates; Proposed Tolerance Exemption  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 143 (Wednesday, July 24, 1996)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 38423-38426]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-18388]
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    40 CFR Part 180
    
    [PP 4E4417/P671; FRL-5382-8]
    RIN 2070-AC18
    
    
    N-Acyl Sarcosines and Sodium N-Acyl Sarcosinates; Proposed 
    Tolerance Exemption
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This document proposes that residues of N-acyl sarcosines [N-
    oleoyl sarcosine, N-stearoyl sarcosine, N-lauroyl sarcosine, N-
    myristoyl sarcosine, N-cocoyl sarcosine mixture] and sodium N-acyl 
    sarcosinates [N-methyl-N-(1-oxo-9-octodecenyl) glycine, N-methyl-N-(1-
    oxooctadecyl) glycine, N-methyl-N-(1-oxododecyl) glycine, N-methyl-N-
    (1-oxotetradecyl) glycine, and N-cocoyl sarcosine sodium salt mixture 
    be exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used at levels not 
    to exceed 10% as inert ingredients (surfactants) in pesticide 
    formulations applied to growing crops, crops after harvest, and on 
    animals. This proposed regulation was requested by Hampshire
    
    [[Page 38424]]
    
    Chemical Company, pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
    (FFDCA).
    
    DATES: Comments, identified by the docket control number [PP 4E4417/
    P671], must be received on or before August 23, 1996.
    
    ADDRESSES: By mail, submit written comments to: Public Response and 
    Program Resources Branch, Field Operations Division (7506C), Office of 
    Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., 
    Washington, DC 20460. In person deliver comments to: Rm. 1132, CM #2, 
    1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA.
        Information submitted as a comment concerning this document may be 
    claimed confidential by marking any part or all of that information as 
    ``Confidential Business Information'' (CBI). Information so marked will 
    not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 
    CFR part 2. A copy of the comment that does not contain CBI must be 
    submitted for inclusion in the public record. Information not marked 
    confidential will be included in the public docket by EPA without prior 
    notice. The public docket is available for public inspection in Rm. 
    1132 at the address given above, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday 
    through Friday, excluding legal holidays.
        Comments and data may also be submitted electronically by sending 
    electronic mail (e-mail) to: opp-docket@epamail.epa.gov. Electronic 
    comments must be submitted as an ASCII file avoiding the use of special 
    characters and any form of encryption. Comments and data will also be 
    accepted on disks in WordPerfect in 5.1 file format or ASCII file 
    format. All comments and data in electronic form must be identified by 
    the docket number, [PP 4E4417/P671]. No CBI should be submitted through 
    e-mail. Electronic comments on this proposed rule may be filed online 
    at many Federal Depository Libraries. Additional information on 
    electronic submissions can be found below in this document.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By mail: Amelia M. Acierto, 
    Registration Support Branch, Registration Division (7505W), Office of 
    Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., 
    Washington, DC 20460. Office location, telephone number, and e-mail 
    address: 2800 Crystal Drive, North Tower, Arlington, VA, (703) 308-
    8375, e-mail: acierto.amelia@epamail.epa.gov.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Hampshire Chemical Company, 55 Hayden 
    Avenue, Lexington, MA 02173, has submitted pesticide petition (PP) 
    4E4417 to EPA requesting that the Administrator, pursuant to section 
    408(e) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. 346a(e), 
    propose to amend 40 CFR 180.1001(c) and (e) by establishing an 
    exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for N-acyl sarcosines [N-
    oleoyl sarcosine (CAS Reg. No. 110-25-8); N-stearoyl sarcosine (CAS 
    Reg. No. 142-48-3); N-lauroyl sarcosine (CAS Reg. No. 97-78-9); N-
    myristoyl sarcosine (CAS Reg. No. 52558-73-3); N-cocoyl sarcosine 
    mixture (CAS Reg. No. 68411-97-2); and sodium N-acyl sarcosinates [N-
    methyl-N-(1-oxo-9-octodecenyl) glycine (CAS Reg. No. 3624-77-9); N-
    methyl-N-(1-oxooctadecyl) glycine (CAS Reg. No. 5136-55-0); N-methyl-N-
    (1-oxododecyl) glycine (CAS Reg. No. 137-16-6); N-methyl-N-(1-
    oxotetradecyl glycine (CAS Reg. No. 30364-51-3); and N-cocoyl sarcosine 
    sodium salt mixture (CAS Reg. No. 61791-59-1)] when used at levels not 
    to exceed 10% as inert ingredients (surfactants) in pesticide 
    formulations applied to growing crops, crops after harvest and animals 
    under 40 CFR 180.1001(c) and (e).
        Inert ingredients are all ingredients that are not active 
    ingredients as defined in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are not 
    limited to, the following types of ingredients (except when they have a 
    pesticidal efficacy of their own): solvents such as alcohols and 
    hydrocarbons; surfactants such as polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty 
    acids; carriers such as clay and diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as 
    carrageenan and modified cellulose; wetting, spreading, and dispersing 
    agents; propellants in aerosol dispensers; microencapsulating agents; 
    and emulsifiers. The term ``inert'' is not intended to imply 
    nontoxicity; the ingredient may or may not be chemically active.
        The data submitted in the petition and other relevant material have 
    been evaluated. As part of the EPA policy statement on inert 
    ingredients published in the Federal Register of April 22, 1987 (52 FR 
    13305), the Agency set forth a list of studies which would generally be 
    used to evaluate the risks posed by the presence of an inert ingredient 
    in a pesticide formulation. However, where it can be determined without 
    that data that the inert ingredient will present minimal or no risk, 
    the Agency generally does not require some or all of the listed studies 
    to rule on the proposed tolerance or exemption from the requirement of 
    a tolerance for an inert ingredient. The Agency has decided that no 
    data, in addition to that described below, for N-acyl sarcosines and 
    their corresponding sodium salts will need to be submitted. The 
    rationale for this decision is described below:
        1. N-Acyl sarcosines form a large class of chemical compounds that 
    have been used for years in soaps, toiletries, toothpastes, medicated 
    skin cleaners and shampoos and other consumer products.
        2. N-Acyl sarcosines have approved uses under the Federal Food, 
    Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA):
        (a) Lauroyl and stearoyl sarcosines are approved for use as release 
    agents in coatings at levels up to 0.3% by weight of the finished food 
    packaging cellophane (21 CFR 177.1200).
        (b) Lauroyl sarcosine, sodium salt is approved for use in food 
    packaging made of vinylidine chloride copolymer up to 0.35% by weight 
    (21 CFR 177.1200) and for use in holding food (21 CFR 175.105).
         (c) Oleoyl sarcosine [listed as N-methyl-N-(1-oxo-9-octadecenyl) 
    glycine] is approved for use as a corrosion inhibitor at levels of up 
    to 0.5% of the lubricants used on machinery used for processing, 
    manufacturing, packing, processing, preparing, treating, packaging, 
    transporting or holding food (21 CFR 178.3570).
        3. N-Acyl sarcosines where the acyl group is lauroyl, oleoyl, or 
    derived from the combined fatty acids of coconut oil (i.e., cocoyl) are 
    approved for use as anti-static and/or antifogging agents at levels up 
    to a total of 0.15% by weight of polyolefin film used for packaging 
    meat, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables (21 CFR 178.3130).
        4. The structurally similar compounds, N-methyl-N-oleoyltaurine, 
    sodium salt and N-methyl-N-palmitoyltaurine, sodium salt are approved 
    for use as surfactants in pesticide formulations applied to growing 
    crops or to raw agricultural commodities under 40 CFR 180.1001(c) and 
    are included in the EPA's list of inert ingredients accepted for non-
    food use.
        5. N-Methyl-N-oleoyl glycine and N-methyl-N-oleoyltaurine, sodium 
    salt, two other structurally similar compounds, are included in the EPA 
    list of inert ingredients approved for non-food use pesticides.
        6. N-Acyl sarcosines were negative in dermal irritation, dermal 
    sensitization and mutagenicity studies.
        7. Hazard to aquatic organisms is not expected at the proposed use 
    rates based on ecotoxicology studies of N-acyl sarcosines with fish and 
    aquatic invertebrates.
        8. Based on the worst case assumption regarding the dietary risks 
    resulting
    
    [[Page 38425]]
    
    from exposure to N-acyl sarcosines and its salts when used at levels 
    not to exceed 10% of pesticide formulations, residues of N-acyl 
    sarcosines and their sodium salts would not be considered to be 
    toxicologically significant.
        Based on the extensive use of N-acyl sarcosines and their sodium 
    salts in various consumer products such as toothpastes, soaps, 
    medicated skin cleaners and medicated shampoos; its physico-chemical 
    properties; the fact that some of these chemicals have been approved 
    for food use applications, and the review of its use, the Agency does 
    not believe that a potential for hazard exists when N-acyl sarcosines 
    and their sodium salts are used in accordance with good agricultural 
    practice. The Agency believes that these ingredients are useful and a 
    tolerance is not necessary to protect the public health. Therefore, EPA 
    proposes that the exemption from the requirement of a tolerance be 
    established as set forth below.
        Any person who has registered or submitted an application for 
    registration of a pesticide, under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, 
    and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as amended, which contains any of the 
    ingredients listed herein, may request within 30 days after publication 
    of this document in the Federal Register that this proposal be referred 
    to an Advisory Committee in accordance with section 408(e) of FFDCA.
        Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the 
    proposed regulation. Comments must bear a notation indicating the 
    docket control number, [PP 4E4417/P671].
        A record has been established for this rulemaking under docket 
    number [PP 4E4417/P671] (including comments and data submitted 
    electronically as described below). A public version of this record, 
    including printed, paper versions of electronic comments, which does 
    not include any information claimed as CBI, is available for inspection 
    from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal 
    holidays. The public record is located in Room 1132 of the Public 
    Response and Program Resources Branch, Field Operations Division 
    (7506C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
    Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA.
        Electronic comments can be sent directly to EPA at:
    
        opp-docket@epamail.epa.gov
    
        Electronic comments must be submitted as an ASCII file avoiding the 
    use of special characters and any form of encryption.
        The official record for this rulemaking, as well as the public 
    version, as described above will be kept in paper form. Accordingly, 
    EPA will transfer all comments received electronically into printed, 
    paper form as they are received and will place the paper copies in the 
    official rulemaking record which will also include all comments 
    submitted directly in writing. The official rulemaking record is the 
    paper record maintained at the Virginia address in ADDRESSES at the 
    beginning of this document.
        The Office of Management and Budget has exempted this proposed rule 
    from the requirements of section 3 of Executive Order 12866.
        This action does not impose any enforceable duty, or contain any 
    ``unfunded mandates'' as described in Title II of the Unfunded Mandates 
    Reform Act of 1955 (Pub. L. 104-4), or require prior consultation as 
    specified by Executive Order 12875 (58 FR 58093, October 28, 1993), 
    entitled Enhancing the Intergovernmental Partnership, or special 
    consideration as required by Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, 
    February 16, 1994).
        Pursuant to the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 
    U.S.C. 601-612), the Administrator has determined that regulations 
    establishing new tolerances or raising tolerance levels or establishing 
    exemptions from tolerance requirements do not have a significant 
    economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. A 
    certification statement explaining the factual basis for this 
    determination was published in the Federal Register of May 4, 1981 (46 
    FR 24950).
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
    
        Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
    Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
    recordkeeping requirements.
    
        Dated: July 10, 1996.
    
    Stephen L. Johnson,
    Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
        Therefore, it is proposed that 40 CFR part 180 be amended as 
    follows:
    
    PART 180--[AMENDED]
    
        1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 21 U.S.C. 346a and 371.
    
        2. In Sec. 180.1001 the table in paragraph (c) and (e) is amended 
    by adding alphabetically the following inert ingredients:
    
    
    Sec. 180.1001  Exemptions from the requirements of a tolerance.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Inert ingredients                Limits               Uses      
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
             *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
    N-Cocoyl sarcosine mixture (CAS    Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     Reg. No. 68411-97-2) [composed     by weight of                        
     of N-methyl-N-(1-oxooctyl)         pesticide                           
     glycine, N-methyl-N-(1-oxodecyl)   formulation.                        
     glycine, N-methyl-N-(1-                                                
     oxododecyl) glycine, N-methyl-N-                                       
     (1-oxotetradecyl) glycine, (N-                                         
     methyl-N-(1-oxohexadecyl)                                              
     glycine and N-methyl-N-(1-                                             
     oxooctadecyl)glycine.                                                  
    N-Cocoyl sarcosine, sodium salt    Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     mixture (CAS Reg. No. 61791-59-    by weight of                        
     1).                                pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
                                                                            
             *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
    N-Lauroyl sarcosine (CAS Reg. No.  Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     97-78-9).                          by weight of                        
                                        pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
                                                                            
             *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
    N-Methyl-N-(1-oxododecyl)          Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     glycine, sodium salt (CAS Reg.     by weight of                        
     No. 137-16-6).                     pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
    N-Methyl-N-(1-oxo-9-octadecenyl)   Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     glycine, sodium salt CAS Reg.      by weight of                        
     No. 3624-77-9).                    pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
    N-Methyl-N-(1-oxooctadecyl)         Not to exceed 10%  Surfactant.      
     glycine, sodium salt (CAS Reg.     by weight of                        
     No. 5136-55-0).                    pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
    
    [[Page 38426]]
    
                                                                            
    N-Methyl-N-(1-oxotetradecyl)       Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     glycine, sodium salt (CAS Reg.     by weight of                        
     No. 30364-51-3).                   pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
                                                                            
             *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
    N-Myristoyl sarcosine (CAS Reg.    Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     No. 52558-73-3).                   by weight of                        
                                        pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
                                                                            
             *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
    N-Oleoyl sarcosine (CAS Reg. No.   Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     110-25-8).                         by weight of                        
                                        pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
                                                                            
             *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
    N-Stearoyl sarcosine (CAS Reg.     Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     No. 142-48-3).                     by weight of                        
                                        pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
                                                                            
             *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    * * * * *
        (e) * * *
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Inert ingredients                Limits               Uses      
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
             *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
    N-Cocoyl sarcosine mixture (CAS    Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     Reg. No. 68411-97-2) [composed     by weight of                        
     of N-methyl-N-(1-oxooctyl)         pesticide                           
     glycine, N-methyl-N-(1-oxodecyl)   formulation.                        
     glycine, N-methyl-N-(1-                                                
     oxododecyl) glycine, N-methyl-N-                                       
     (1-oxotetradecyl) glycine, (N-                                         
     methyl-N-(1-oxohexadecyl)                                              
     glycine and N-methyl-N-(1-                                             
     oxooctadecyl)glycine.                                                  
    N-Cocoyl sarcosine, sodium salt    Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     mixture (CAS Reg. No. 61791-59-    by weight of                        
     1).                                pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
                                                                            
             *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
    N-Lauroyl sarcosine (CAS Reg. No.  Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     97-78-9).                          by weight of                        
                                        pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
                                                                            
             *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
    N-Methyl-N-(1-oxododecyl)          Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     glycine, sodium salt (CAS Reg.     by weight of                        
     No. 137-16-6).                     pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
    N-Methyl-N-(1-oxo-9-octadecenyl)   Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     glycine, sodium salt CAS Reg.      by weight of                        
     No. 3624-77-9).                    pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
    N-Methyl-N-(1-oxooctadecyl)        Not to exceed 10%                    
     glycine, sodium salt (CAS Reg.     by weight of                        
     No. 5136-55-0).                    pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
    N-Methyl-N-(1-oxotetradecyl)       Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     glycine, sodium salt (CAS Reg.     by weight of                        
     No. 30364-51-3).                   pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
                                                                            
             *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
    N-Myristoyl sarcosine (CAS Reg.    Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     No. 52558-73-3).                   by weight of                        
                                        pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
                                                                            
             *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
    N-Oleoyl sarcosine (CAS Reg. No.   Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     110-25-8).                         by weight of                        
                                        pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
                                                                            
             *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
    N-Stearoyl sarcosine (CAS Reg.     Not to exceed 10%   Surfactant.      
     No. 142-48-3).                     by weight of                        
                                        pesticide                           
                                        formulation.                        
                                                                            
             *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    [FR Doc. 96-18388 Filed 7-23-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-F
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
07/24/1996
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
96-18388
Dates:
Comments, identified by the docket control number [PP 4E4417/ P671], must be received on or before August 23, 1996.
Pages:
38423-38426 (4 pages)
Docket Numbers:
PP 4E4417/P671, FRL-5382-8
RINs:
2070-AC18
PDF File:
96-18388.pdf
CFR: (1)
40 CFR 180.1001