Multiple commodities

Propylene Oxide; Pesticide Tolerances . Final rule. Language(s): English. Number of pages: 5

This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of propylene oxide (PPO) in or on sesame, seed; turmeric, roots, dried; ginger, dried; pepper, bell, dried; and pepper, nonbell, dried. ABERCO, Inc., a Balchem Company, submitted a petition to EPA requesting that EPA establish a maximum permissible level for residues of this pesticide in or on the identified commodities.

In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize US tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent with US food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA considers the international maximum residue limits (MRL) established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4). Codex 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.

Codex has not established a MRL for PPO in or on ginger, bell or nonbell pepper, sesame seed, or turmeric, roots.

Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances During the registration review of PPO conducted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA determined that PCH tolerances are not needed since PPO residues alone are adequate for detection of PPO misuse for enforcement activities, and there are no established Codex MRLs for PCH. For regulatory clarity, and to ensure residues of PPO reaction products (including PCH and propylene bromohydrin) remain covered under the PPO tolerances, the Agency proposed and finalized a rule under the FFDCA removing all PCH tolerances from 40 CFR 180.491 and revising the tolerance expression for PPO to specify the inclusion of these reaction products. See 90 FR 42896, 9 June 2025 (FRL-12765-01-OCSPP), and 91 FR 21386, 22 April 2026 (FRL-12765-02-OCSPP). As a result, the petitioner withdrew its request that EPA establish the petitioned-for PCH tolerances, and EPA is not establishing these tolerances.