EPA Restricts Uses of Two Ag Chemicals on Pproduce

August 3, 1999

The Environmental Protection Agency has restricted the application of two pesticides used on apples, other fruits and vegetables. EPA says the actions are to protect children; American Farm Bureau Federation says it's politics.

EPA will eliminate specific uses of methyl parathion and significantly lower allowable residues for azinphos methyl on a variety of fruits and vegetables eaten regularly by children. Both products are organophosphates, a group of 39 older, common pesticides.

But the AFBF says the action was motivated by politics. "EPA's announcement is a political event, timed to coincide with the Aug. 3 deadline for reassessing many pesticide uses under the Food Quality Protection Act," said AFBF President Dean Kleckner. "The agency is putting restrictions on azinphos methyl and methyl parathion before concluding needed tests and risk assessments and before completing work on the `science policies' that are intended to guide EPA in key FQPA implementation decisions."

EPA Administrator Carol Browner said the actions were taken "after an extensive scientific review of the risks posed by these chemicals. EPA has worked closely with (USDA) and the agricultural community to ensure that our decisions will not disrupt the growing and marketing plans of farmers. As adjustments are made to reduce pesticide risk, EPA and USDA also are working together to ensure that farmers will have alternative pest management tools and substitutes."