Document ID: EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0467-0001
Agency: epa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Xanthomonas Campestris pv. Vesicatoria and Pseudomonas Syringae pv. Tomato Specific Bacteriophages; Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance
Posted Date: 2005-12-28T22:38:38Z

[Federal Register: December 28, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 248)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 76700-76704]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28de05-14]                         

[[Page 76700]]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0467; FRL-7753-6]

 
Xanthomonas Campestris pv. Vesicatoria and Pseudomonas Syringae 
pv. Tomato Specific Bacteriophages; 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 bacteriophages that specifically 
target the bacterial pathogens Xanthomonas campestris pv. Vesicatoria 
and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato present on tomatoes and peppers 
when applied/used as bacteriocides on tomatoes and peppers. Omnylytics 
submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 
Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 
(FQPA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. 
This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible 
level for residues of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and 
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific bacteriophages when applied/
used as bacteriocides on tomatoes and peppers.

DATES: This regulation is effective December 28, 2005. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before February 27, 2006.

ADDRESSES: To submit a written objection or hearing request follow the 
detailed instructions as provided in Unit VIII. of the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION. EPA has established a docket for this action under docket 
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0467. All documents in the 
docket are listed on the http://www.regulations.gov Web site. (EDOCKET, EPA's 

electronic public docket and comment system was replaced on November 
25, 2005, by an enhanced federal-wide electronic docket management and 
comment system located at http://www.regulations.gov/. Follow the on-

line instructions.) Although listed in the index, some information is 
not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other information whose disclosure 
is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted 
material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available 
only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are 
available either electronically in EDOCKET or in hard copy at the 
Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, 
Crystal Mall 2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. This docket 
facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
excluding legal holidays. The docket telephone number is (703) 305-
5805.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leonard Cole, Biopesticides and 
Pollution Prevention Division (7511C), Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone 
number: 703-305-5412; e-mail address: cole.leonard@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an 
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. 
Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
     Crop production (NAICS code 111).
     Animal production (NAICS code 112).
     Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).
    This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides 
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this 
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be 
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) 
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining 
whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any 
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular 
entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT.

B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies of this Document and Other 
Related Information?

    In addition to using EDOCKET (http://www.epa.gov/edocket/), you may 

access this Federal Register document electronically through the EPA 
Internet under the ``Federal Register'' listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.
 A frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR part 180 

is available at E-CFR Beta Site Two at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/.

II. Background and Statutory Findings

    In the Federal Register of May 3, 2000 (FR 65 25717) (FRL-6553-2), 
EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408(d)(3) of the FFDCA, 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide tolerance 
petition (PP OF6111) by OmniLytics, P.O. Box 4296, Logan, Utah 84323-
4296. The petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be amended by 
establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for 
residues of the bacteriophages that specifically target the bacterial 
pathogens Xanthomonas campestris pv. Vesicatoria and Pseudomonas 
syringae pv. tomato on tomatoes and peppers. This notice included a 
summary of the petition prepared by the petitioner OmniLytics. There 
were no comments received in response to the notice of filing.
    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of the 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 the 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 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 
section 408(b)(2)(C), which require EPA to give special consideration 
to exposure of 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, section 408(b)(2)(D) of the FFDCA 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 section 408(b)(2)(D) of the FFDCA, EPA has reviewed 
the available scientific data and other

[[Page 76701]]

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.
    Phages are naturally occurring viruses that are found in soil, 
water, and in association with animals, including humans, and plants. 
The total number of phages worldwide is estimated to be in the range of 
1,030 to 1,032. Phages are obligate intracellular parasites of 
bacteria, which means they attack bacteria, and are not infectious to 
humans or other animals. Phages are host-specific for bacteria, with 
specific bacteriophages attacking only one bacterial species and most 
frequently only one strain of a bacterial specieis. As such, phages do 
not attack other beneficial soil bacteria. In addition, there is no 
evidence for non-selective infection. Thus, non-target organisms, such 
as fish and wildlife, are not affected. Humans and other animals 
consume phages when they eat food they are commonly found in water, 
ground beef, pork, sausage, chicken, raw skim milk, oysters, cheese, 
fresh mushrooms, and lettuce. In addition, phages are common commensals 
of the human gut and likely play an important role in regulating 
various bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, phages have 
been used therapeutically or non-therapeutically in humans for more 
than 80 years with no ill effects. As cited in public literature, 
phages have been used as therapeutic agents and are active against 
bacteria of many human diseases such as anthrax, bronchitis, diarrhea, 
scarlet fever, typhus, cholera, diphtheria, gonorrhea, paratyphus, 
bubonic plague, and osteomyelitis. Moreover, hundreds of millions of 
persons have received live bacteriophage vaccines. These phages have 
been used in the human population to control polio, measles, mumps and 
rubella. Recipients of these bacteriophages showed no evidence of 
adverse reactions to phages. The specific mode of action of the active 
component of the AgriPhage product is such that these bacteroicides are 
effective only against the bacterial pathogens which they specifically 
target, in this case, Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and 
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato bacteria when found on tomatoes and 
peppers.
    In support of this tolerance exemption, data waivers were requested 
and granted for the required mammalian toxicity studies, including 
acute toxicity and other toxicological studies used to determine risks 
to human health. The waiver requests, which were supported by publicly 
available information submitted by OmniLytics, find their 
jusitification in the information summarized in the paragraph above, 
including, more generally, documented lack of toxicity associated with 
bacteriophages, the fact that bacteriophages only attack specific 
bacteria, and that they pose little to no risk to humans. Specifically, 
waivers were granted based on public literature submitted by the 
applicant for the following studies: Acute oral toxicity, acute dermal 
toxicity, acute inhalation toxicity, primary eye irritation, and 
primary dermal irritation.
    1. Hypersensitivity (OPPTS Harmonized Guideline 870.2600). The 
potential for repeated contact of the product with human skin by 
inhalation or dermal routes is a concern only to applicators of the 
end-use products (i.e., occupational exposure); however, the risk to 
applicators from exposure is mitigated as they are required to wear 
protective chemical-resistant gloves, aprons, footwear and masks. 
Accordingly, a hypersensitivity study is not required for registration 
of this product (per 40 CFR 158.690(c)(2)(iii)). In addition, there are 
no reports of dermal sensitization to low concentrations of Xanthomonas 
campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific 
bacteriophages in the published literature. The registrant also has 
reported no hypersensitivity incidents to date (OPPTS Harmonized 
Guideline 885.3400). Nonetheless, pursuant to FIFRA section 6(a)(2), 
the registrant is required to report to the Agency any future incidents 
of hypersensitivity associated with Xanthomonas campestris pv. 
vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific 
bacteriophages.
    2. Immune response (OPPTS Harmonized Guideline 870.7800). The 
registrant requested a waiver for this study, and submitted supporting 
published literature. EPA's review concluded that Xanthomonas 
campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific 
bacteriophages are common bacteriophages and are found in food consumed 
by humans (Whitman et. al., 1971). With no known incidences of allergic 
responses to these or similar phages, there is reasonable certainty 
that Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae 
pv. tomato specific bacteriophages will not induce adverse immune 
responses in humans. This conclusion is further bolstered by the fact 
that these bacteriophages are host specific. As a result, the agency 
approved the waiver request for the Immune Response study.
    3. Acute injection toxicity/pathogenicity - Rat (OPPTS Harmonized 
Guideline 885.3200). The Registrant submitted supporting public 
literature for this study, and requested a waiver. A waiver was granted 
based on the fact that Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and 
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific bacteriophages and similar 
bacteriophages are common bacteriophages found in drinking water and 
food ingested daily by humans and animals. According to published 
literature no known adverse effects or deaths have occurred in any 
species as a result of such dietary exposures. Bacteriophages are host 
specific and attack only the target bacteria. It has been reported in 
public literature that humans and other animals consume phages when 
they eat food--they are commonly found in water, ground beef, pork, 
sausage, chicken, raw skim milk, oysters, cheese, fresh mushrooms, and 
lettuce. Further, phages have been used in the human population to 
control polio, measles, mumps and rubella. Recipients of these 
bacteriophages showed no evidence of adverse reactions to phages.
    Based on the published literature and data waivers submitted (and 
granted) in accordance with the Tier I toxicology data requirements set 
forth in 40 CFR 158.690(c), the Tier II and Tier III toxicology data 
requirements also set forth therein were not triggered and, therefore, 
not required in connection with this action.

IV. Aggregate Exposures

    In examining aggregate exposure, section 408 of the FFDCA 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

    1. Food. All phages, including those at issue in this action, are 
similar in nature in that they are host specific, attacking only 
bacteria. Published literature submitted by the registrant, and other 
publically available literature indicate that humans are exposed to 
phages daily, and these phages are commonly found in humans having no 
known adverse effects. Indeed, humans and

[[Page 76702]]

other animals routinely consume phages when they eat food such as raw 
produce and cheese. For example, it is reported that 1,000 
(103) to 5 x 105 phages can be isolated routinely 
per gram (g) of high quality cheese. Pathogenic microorganisms are 
often found in foods; therefore, it is not surprising that 1 study 
found E. coli and coliphages in 11 of 12 foods purchased at retail 
markets. In this study, 10 purchases of each of the 12 foods were made. 
All 10 of the fresh ground beef purchases were contaminated with E. 
coli, and all 10 contained coliphages. In addition to ground beef, E. 
coli and coliphages were found in fresh chicken, fresh pork, fresh 
oyster, fresh mushrooms, lettuce, chicken pot pie, biscuit dough, deli 
loaf, deli roasted turkey, and package roasted chicken. Another example 
of phages in food has been Propionibacterium freundenreichii phage 
found in a concentration as high as 1.4 x 106/gm of swiss 
cheese. Based on the above and the fact that bacteriophages are host 
specific, these organisms are not known to pose any human health 
effects. Throughout the literature cited by the registrant and other 
publically available literature, there have been no known adverse 
effects to humans ever reported. Accordingly, the Agency concludes that 
when Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae 
pv. tomato specific Bacteriophages are used according to the manner 
intended (i.e., to control the bacterial pathogens Xanthomonas 
campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato on 
tomatoes and peppers), there is a reasonable certainty that no harm 
will result to humans from all anticipated dietary exposures (through 
food) to any residues resulting from such use.
    2. Drinking water exposure. The Xanthomonas campestris pv. 
vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific bacteriophages 
are not intended for use in drinking water, nor are the approved uses 
likely to result in these bacteriophages reaching surface water or 
ground water that might be used as drinking water. Furthermore, in the 
unlikely event that Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and 
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific bacteriophages do reach water 
consumed by humans, for the many reasons enumerated numerous times 
above, the Agency concludes that when Xanthomonas campestris pv. 
vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific Bacteriophages 
are used according to the manner intended (i.e., to control the 
bacterial pathogens Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and 
Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato on tomatoes and peppers), there is a 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result to humans from all 
anticipated dietary exposures (through water) to any residues resulting 
from such use.

B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure

    Since Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas 
syringae pv. tomato specific Bacteriophages are host specific and 
inactivated within 24-48 hours after application, the potential for 
non-occupational, non-dietary exposures (i.e., dermal and inhalation 
exposures) to these phages by the general population, including infants 
and children, is highly unlikely. Moreover, the general population, 
including infants and children, are exposed to bacteriophages daily in 
food and drinking water with no known adverse effects ever being 
reported. Therefore, the Agency concludes that in the unlikely event 
there is non-occupational, non-dietary exposure to these specific 
phages, such exposures would pose no risks to the general population, 
including infants and children.

V. Cumulative Effects

    Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of the 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.'' These considerations 
include the possible cumulative effects of such residues on infants and 
children. Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas 
syringae pv. tomato specific bacteriophages are host specific to the 
Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. 
tomato bacteria that attack tomatoes and peppers only. Accordingly, 
under the conditions in which Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria 
and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific bacteriophages are 
intended to be used, they will only attack the specific host bacteria 
causing lysis of that bacteria, and they are only active 24-48 hours 
after application. Given all of this and the fact that bacteriophages 
generally are consumed daily in food and drinking water, with no known 
adverse effects reported, any dietary and non-occupational exposures to 
Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. 
tomato specific bacteriophages, when used according to label 
directions, are expected to have no cumulative or incremental effects 
to humans. In addition, due to the unique nature of bacteriophages, as 
repeatedly noted in this action, the Agency is unaware of any other 
substances that share a common mechanism of toxicity with the 
Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. 
tomato specific bacteriophages.

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

    1. U.S. population. For all the reasons enumerated repeatedly 
above, there is reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the 
U.S. population, including infants and children, from aggregate 
exposure to residues of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and 
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific bacteriophages. This includes 
all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for which 
there is reliable information.
    2. Infants and children. FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C) provides that 
EPA shall apply an additional tenfold margin of exposure (MOE) for 
infants and children in the case of threshold effects to account for 
prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the data base 
on toxicity and exposure, unless EPA determines that a different MOE 
will be safe for infants and children. MOEs, which are often referred 
to as uncertainty (safety) factors, are incorporated into EPA risk 
assessments either directly, or through the use of a MOE analysis or by 
using uncertainty factors in calculating a dose level that poses no 
appreciable risk. As previously mentioned in the toxicological profile, 
humans, including infants and children, have been exposed to phages 
generally through food and water, where they are commonly found, and 
through decades of therapeutic use, with no known or reported adverse 
effects. Based on this and all the other reasons enumerated repeatedly 
above, and based on all available information, the Agency concludes 
that Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae 
pv. tomato specific bacteriophages are non-toxic to mammals, including 
infants and children. Because there are no threshold effects of concern 
to infants, children, and adults when Xanthomonas campestris pv. 
vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific bacteriophages 
are used as labeled, the Agency concludes that the additional MOE is 
not necessary to protect infants and children and that not adding any 
additional MOE will be safe for infants and children.

[[Page 76703]]

VII. Other Considerations

A. Endocrine Disruptors

    Based on public literature cited by the company, Xanthomonas 
campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific 
bacteriophages are not known endocrine disruptors nor are other phages 
related to Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas 
syringae pv. tomato specific bacteriophages known endocrine disruptors. 
Therefore, there is no impact via endocrine-related effects on the 
Agency's safety finding set forth in this final rule for Xanthomonas 
campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific 
bacteriophages.

B. Analytical Method

    The Agency proposes to establish an exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance without any numerical limitation for the many reasons 
repeatedly stated above, including the active ingredient's host 
specificity, the fact that the human population is exposed to 
bacteriophages daily, through food, water, and other sources, with no 
adverse effects, and the fact that bacteriophages have been used 
therapeutically for more than 80 years with no adverse effects. For the 
same reasons, the Agency concludes that an analytical method is not 
required for enforcement purposes for Xanthomonas campestris pv. 
vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific 
Bacteriophages.

C. Codex Maximum Residue Level

    The are no known codex residue levels for this bacteriophage.

VIII. Conclusions

    The Agency 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 Xanthomonas campestris 
pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv.tomato specific 
bacteriophages, including all anticipated dietary exposures and all 
other exposures for which there is reliable information, when used 
according to label directions, as a microbial pesticide on peppers and 
tomatoes.

IX. Objections and Hearing Requests

    Under section 408(g) of the FFDCA, as amended by the FQPA, any 
person may file an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may 
also request a hearing on those objections. The EPA procedural 
regulations which govern the submission of objections and requests for 
hearings appear in 40 CFR part 178. Although the procedures in those 
regulations require some modification to reflect the amendments made to 
the FFDCA by the FQPA, EPA will continue to use those procedures, with 
appropriate adjustments, until the necessary modifications can be made. 
The new section 408(g) of the FFDCA provides essentially the same 
process for persons to ``object'' to a regulation for an exemption from 
the requirement of a tolerance issued by EPA under new section 408(d) 
of the FFDCA, as was provided in the old sections 408 and 409 of the 
FFDCA. However, the period for filing objections is now 60 days, rather 
than 30 days.

A. What Do I Need to Do to File an Objection or Request a Hearing?

    You must file your objection or request a hearing on this 
regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in this unit 
and in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must 
identify docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0467 in the subject line on 
the first page of your submission. All requests must be in writing, and 
must be mailed or delivered to the Hearing Clerk on or before February 
27, 2006.
    1. Filing the request. Your objection must specify the specific 
provisions in the regulation that you object to, and the grounds for 
the objections (40 CFR 178.25). If a hearing is requested, the 
objections must include a statement of the factual issues(s) on which a 
hearing is requested, the requestor's contentions on such issues, and a 
summary of any evidence relied upon by the objector (40 CFR 178.27). 
Information submitted in connection with an objection or hearing 
request may be claimed confidential by marking any part or all of that 
information as CBI. Information so marked will not be disclosed except 
in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. A copy of the 
information that does not contain CBI must be submitted for inclusion 
in the public record. Information not marked confidential may be 
disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice.
    Mail your written request to: Office of the Hearing Clerk (1900L), 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001. You may also deliver your request to the 
Office of the Hearing Clerk in Suite 350, 1099 14th St., NW., 
Washington, DC 20005. The Office of the Hearing Clerk is open from 8 
a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The 
telephone number for the Office of the Hearing Clerk is (202) 564-6255.
    2. Copies for the Docket. In addition to filing an objection or 
hearing request with the Hearing Clerk as described in Unit IX.A., you 
should also send a copy of your request to the PIRIB for its inclusion 
in the official record that is described in ADDRESSES. Mail your 
copies, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0467, to: Public 
Information and Records Integrity Branch, Information Resources and 
Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001. In person or by courier, bring a copy to the location of the 
PIRIB described in ADDRESSES. You may also send an electronic copy of 
your request via e-mail to: opp-docket@epa.gov. Please use an ASCII 
file format and avoid the use of special characters and any form of 
encryption. Copies of electronic objections and hearing requests will 
also be accepted on disks in WordPerfect 6.1/8.0 or ASCII file format. 
Do not include any CBI in your electronic copy. You may also submit an 
electronic copy of your request at many Federal Depository Libraries.

B. When Will the Agency Grant a Request for a Hearing?

    A request for a hearing will be granted if the Administrator 
determines that the material submitted shows the following: There is a 
genuine and substantial issue of fact; there is a reasonable 
possibility that available evidence identified by the requestor would, 
if established resolve one or more of such issues in favor of the 
requestor, taking into account uncontested claims or facts to the 
contrary; and resolution of the factual issues(s) in the manner sought 
by the requestor would be adequate to justify the action requested (40 
CFR 178.32).

X. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This final rule establishes an exemption from the tolerance 
requirement under section 408(d) of the FFDCA 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 rule has been exempted from review under Executive 
Order 12866 due to its lack of significance, this rule is not subject 
to Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355, 
May 22, 2001). This final rule does not contain any information

[[Page 76704]]

collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act 
(PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., or impose any enforceable duty or 
contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Public Law 104-4). 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); 
or OMB review or any Agency action under Executive Order 13045, 
entitled Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and 
Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). 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 of 1995 (NTTAA), 
Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). Since 
tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis of a 
petition under section 408(d) of the FFDCA, such as the exemption 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. In addition, the Agency has determined that this 
action will not have a substantial direct effect on States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government, as specified in Executive Order 13132, entitled Federalism 
(64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999). Executive Order 13132 requires EPA to 
develop an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input 
by State and local officials in the development of regulatory policies 
that have federalism implications.'' ``Policies that have federalism 
implications'' is defined in the Executive Order to include regulations 
that have ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government.'' This final rule directly regulates growers, food 
processors, food handlers and food retailers, not States. This action 
does not alter the relationships or distribution of power and 
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions 
of section 408(n)(4) of the FFDCA. For these same reasons, the Agency 
has determined that this rule does not have any ``tribal implications'' 
as described in Executive Order 13175, entitled Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR 67249, November 6, 
2000). Executive Order 13175, requires EPA to develop an accountable 
process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input by tribal officials in 
the development of regulatory policies that have tribal implications.'' 
Policies that have tribal implications'' is defined in the Executive 
Order to include regulations that have ``substantial direct effects on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and the Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.'' 
This rule will not have substantial direct effects on tribal 
governments, on the relationship between the Federal Government and 
Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, as specified in 
Executive Order 13175. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to 
this rule.

X. Reference

    Whitman, P.A. and R.T. Marshall. Isolation of psychrophilic 
bacteriophages-host systems from refrigerated food products. Applied 
Microbiology. Vol. 22, No 2, August 1971, pp. 220-223.

XI. Congressional Review Act

    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally 
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating 
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, 
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the 
United States. 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 this final rule in the Federal Register. This final 
rule 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 9, 2005.
James Jones,
Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.

0
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. Section 180.1261 is added to subpart D to read as follows:

Sec.  180.1261  Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas 
syringae pv. tomato specific Bacteriophages.

    An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for 
residues of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas 
syringae pv. tomato specific bacteriophages in or on tomatoes and 
peppers.

[FR Doc. 05-24540 Filed 12-27-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-S