Agnet Dec. 5/03
GM food poll
badly skewed
Human guinea
pigs
Plant pests,
new data, EPPO
Notice of
receipt of requests to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide registrations for
products containing tributyltin methacrylate, and to amend certain pesticide
registrations containing bis(tributyltin) oxide to terminate a use
Pyridalyl;
notice of filing a pesticide petition to establish a tolerance for a certain
pesticide chemical in or on food
Notice of
availability of the preliminary risk assessment for creosote
how to subscribe
GM
food poll badly skewed
December 5, 2003
The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon)
A14
A poll commissioned by the Consumers Association of Canada on the desirability
of labelling of genetically modified foods has, according to this editorial
yielded the predictable result, based on the questions posed to 2,000 Canadians.
The editorial says that when sked if they believe a label should be placed on
food sold in Canada that contains GM ingredients, 91 per cent agreed. Similarly,
88 per cent thought the government should make such labelling mandatory, not
leaving it up to industry voluntarily to decide. The poll also asked if the
government has provided Canadians with adequate information to allow them to
"make an informed decision" about GM foods, eliciting a hefty
"No" from 80 per cent.
The editorial notes that the results hardly are surprising, considering
questions that pander to the bias against GM foods being promoted and exploited
by interest groups with scant regard for science or common sense.
Had respondents been told that reputable scientific groups such as the Royal
Society of Canada and Health Canada experts deem GM food to pose absolutely no
danger to human or animal health, the poll findings doubtless would have been
different.
As for the government's failure to provide Canadians with adequate information
to enable them to make rational decisions, consider what's happening.
The CAC, which until this year had supported voluntary labelling, suddenly has
changed its mind, citing the results of polls such as this one as indicative of
consumer preference when, in fact, it's the poll questions that legitimize a
predetermined conclusion. Even though public comments by CAC officials leave the
impression that labelling foodstuff to placate consumers is a simple matter of
adding a line of printing on the package to show that it contains GM elements,
the issue is far more complicated.
The editorial goes on to ask, how about CAC taking the lead on pressuring Ottawa
to speed up having food manufacturers label processed food for the presence of
trans-fats, which are known health hazards? That's more useful than siding with
anti-GM fearmongers, who are small-scale organic farming idealists at best and
at worst are apologists for chemically dependent big agriculture interests whose
direct and indirect toll is evident around the globe.
Consumers in Canada should have the right to know about what they are eating.
But they also have the right not be manipulated into supporting the agenda of
pressure groups. Had CAC honestly asked Canadians to list their concerns about
food, GM-labelling wouldn't have made the Top 10.
Steven Gibb, Gerry Klein, Les MacPherson, Sarath Peiris and Lawrence Thoner
collaborate in writing SP editorials
Human
guinea pigs
December 5, 2003
Globe and Mail
Page A20
http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20031205/COLETS05-4/TPComment/Letters
John Cartwright of Calgary writes that the Canadian government's refusal to have
genetically modified foods labelled could conceal a connection between these
foods and any health problems that might arise from eating them. We have to ask
whether those who are promoting GM foods hope to ensure that if they do cause
long-term damage, there will be no way to prove it. GM and non-GM foods will
have been so intermixed that we will not be able to tell whether genetic
modification is implicated (Canadians Want GM Foods Labelled, Poll Finds -- Dec.
4 ). Labelling would at least give us a retrospective opportunity to find out
whether there had been long-term harm, as well as allowing consumers to make a
free choice as to whether they wish to be guinea pigs in this massive
experiment.
Plant
pests, new data, EPPO
December 2, 2003
ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
Source: EPPO Reporting Service 2003, No. 8 [edited]
2003/113 New data on quarantine pests and pests of the EPPO Alert List
The EPPO Secretariat has extracted the following new data concerning
quarantine pests and pests included on the EPPO Alert List. Note: Only
diseases of major food crops are noted.
New geographical records
During surveys carried out in 1996-2000 in the central zone of Chile -- on
production and propagation material of grapevine, Cherry leaf roll
nepovirus (EPPO A2 list) was detected in 0.2 percent of the tested samples
(Herrera & Madariaga, 2001). Present, detected in the central zone with a
low incidence.
Phaeoramularia angolensis (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) occurs in northwest
Ethiopia. It was detected in 11 of the 18 districts studied and severity
reached 68 percent on leaves and 97 percent on citrus fruits (Dessalegn &
Girma, 2002). Present, found in northwest Ethiopia.
Investigations carried out in orchards and fruit tree collections in
different regions of Iran revealed the presence of Plum pox potyvirus (EPPO
A2 quarantine pest). (Buntsevich et al., 2001). Present, no details.
Stenocarpella maydis (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) was found during surveys
for major diseases of maize carried out in Ethiopia from 1991 to 2000 (Tilahun
et al., 2001). Present, no details.
Detailed records
Citrus tatter leaf capillovirus (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) occurs in
citrus-growing regions of Fujian Province, China (Wu Rujian & Ke Chong,
2002).
In Mexico, Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) was
detected on tomatillo (_Physalis ixocarpa_) in the states of Mexico, Puebla
and Morelos (Torre-Almara et al., 2002).
Synchytrium endobioticum (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) occurs in Volgograd
region, Russia (Demchenko, 2001).
Sources:
Buntsevich, L.L.; Omidallakh, A.; Mutisher, B.; Nankali, A. [Virus and
phytoplasma disease in fruit crops in Iran.]. (2001) Zashchita i Karantin
Rastenii, no. 4, p 32-33. [Review of Plant Pathology 81(9), September 2002,
abst. 8447, p 1199].
Demchenko, V.I. (2001) [Activities and plans of Volgograd quarantine
Inspectorate.] Zashchita i Karantin Rastenii, no. 6, p 9. [Review of Plant
Pathology 81(9), September 2002, abst. 8410, p 1192].
Dessalegn, Y.; Girma, G. (2002) Phaeoramularia angolensis: a citrus disease
in Northwest Ethiopia. AgriTopia, 17(1), 12-13. [Review of Plant Pathology
81(9), September 2002, abst. 8614, p 1226].
Herrera, M.; Madariaga, V.M. (2001) [Presence and incidence of grapevine
viruses in the central zone of Chile.] Agricultura TÈcnica, 61(4), 393-400.
[Review of Plant Pathology 81(9), September 2002, abst. 8532, p 1213].
Tilahun, T.; Ayana, G.; Abebe, F.; Wegary, D. (2001) Maize pathology in
Ethiopia: a review. In: Enhancing the contribution of maize to food
security in Ethiopia. Proceedings of the 2nd National Maize Workshop of
Ethiopia, Addis Ababa; Ethiopia, 2001-11-12/16. [Review of Plant Pathology
81(10), October 2002, abst. 9420, p 1350].
Torre-Almar·z, R. de la; Cervantes-DÌaz, L.; Houston, H.A.; Valverde, R.
(2002) Phenotypic variation of some Mexican isolates of tomato spotted wilt
virus (TSWV). Agrociencia (Montecillo), 36(2), 211-221. [Review of Plant
Pathology 81(10), October 2002, abst. 9984, p 1432].
Wu Rujian; Ke Chong (2002) [Reaction of citrus to the co-infection by the
citrus Huanglongbing pathogen with other viruses.] Fujian Journal of
Agricultural Sciences, 15(4), 12-16. [Review of Plant Pathology 81(9),
September 2002, abst. 8591, p 1223].
[Fruit and leaf spot disease of citrus caused by _Phaeoramularia
angolensis_ was the main disease in western Kenya in the late 1990's, but I
do not know the status of the disease at present. Application of various
contact and systemic fungicides (triazoles and copper) were useful. As for
Stenocarpella maydis [Sm] (formerly Diplodia maydis), which causes
maize ear rot, disease incidence can range from 1-80 percent of ears, and
test weights can be reduced substantially. During the 1950s and early
1960s, maize ear rot was the most common ear rot disease of corn in the
Corn Belt of USA. Disease management for maize ear rot includes crop
rotation, conservation tillage to reduce soil erosion, and planting of
maize cultivars with a range of maturity dates. Potato wart, caused by
Synchytrium endobioticum, has spread from the South American Andes to
most potato-growing countries in Europe and has been recorded in the
Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. Potato wart
was eradicated from several states in USA and is now considered free of the
pathogen. - Mod.DH]
Notice
of receipt of requests to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide registrations for
products containing tributyltin methacrylate, and to amend certain pesticide
registrations containing bis(tributyltin) oxide to terminate a use
December 5, 2003
[Federal Register: (Volume 68, Number 234)]
[Page 68039-68042]
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[OPP-2003-0291; FRL-7331-1]
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: In accordance with section 6(f)(1) of the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as amended, EPA is issuing a notice of
receipt of requests by registrants to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide
registrations and to amend certain pesticide registrations to terminate a use.
Atofina Chemicals, Inc. and Crompton Corporation have requested that the
registrations for all their tributyltin products registered for use in
formulating antifouling paints or which are themselves antifouling paints be
canceled, or if the products are registered for use in formulating other
pesticides in addition to antifouling paints, that those registrations be
amended to terminate the antifoulant use. Both registrants have requested that
the voluntary cancellations and use terminations become effective as of November
30, 2003. Both companies have requested that they be permitted to sell affected
products without change to the labels until that date and no later; no separate
existing stocks provisions are necessary since the Agency intends to allow them
to sell the affected products only until the effective date as requested. Both
companies have waived the 180-day comment period typically allowed after a
request for voluntary cancellation, and both companies have stated that their
requests are irrevocable.
DATES: Unless the Agency receives substantive comments within the 30-day comment
period that would merit further review of the requests, the Agency intends to
issue orders granting these requests to cancel certain products, and to amend to
terminate certain uses. Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2003-0291,
must be received on or before January 5, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, or through hand
delivery/courier. Please follow the detailed instructions for each method as
provided in Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jill Bloom, Special Review and
Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 308-8019; e-mail address:
bloom.jill@epamail.epa.gov.
Pyridalyl;
notice of filing a pesticide petition to establish a tolerance for a certain
pesticide chemical in or on food
December 5, 2003
[Federal Register: (Volume 68, Number 234)]
[Page 68044-68049]
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[OPP-2003-0276; FRL-7334-6]
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: This notice announces the initial filing of a pesticide petition
proposing the establishment of regulations for residues of a certain pesticide
chemical in or on various food commodities.
DATES: Comments, identified by docket (ID) number OPP-2003-0276, must be
received on or before January 5, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, or through hand
delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as provided in Unit I. of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Stanton, Registration Division
(7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703)
305-5218; e-mail address: stanton.susan@epa.gov.
Notice
of availability of the preliminary risk assessment for creosote
December 5, 2003
[Federal Register: (Volume 68, Number 234)]
[Page 68042-68044]
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[OPP-2003-0248; FRL-7318-6]
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice of availability.
SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of documents that were developed
as part of EPA's six-phase public participation reregistration process for
creosote. This chemical, a ``heavy duty wood preservative,'' was first
registered in the United States in 1948 as a coal tar creosote active
ingredient. Presently, 16 products are registered for use as industrial wood
preservatives for above and below ground wood protection treatments, as well as
treating wood in marine environments. Creosote wood preservatives are used
primarily in the pressure treatment of railroad ties/crossties (about 70% of all
creosote use) and utility poles/cross-arms (about 15-20% of all creosote use).
Assorted creosote-treated lumber products (e.g., timbers, poles, posts and
ground-line support structures) account for the remaining uses of this wood
preservative. This notice starts the 60-day public comment period for the
preliminary risk assessment for creosote. EPA will review all comments received
and address them accordingly. The Agency will then announce and conduct a public
technical briefing on the revised risk assessment to provide an opportunity for
the public to learn more about the data, information, and methods used to
develop the revised risk assessment. The revised assessment will then be made
available to the public, and the public will be invited to submit risk
management ideas and/or proposals. By allowing access and opportunity for
comments on the preliminary risk assessment, the Agency is seeking to strengthen
stakeholder involvement and help ensure its decisions under the Food Quality
Protection Act are transparent, and based on the best available information.
DATES: Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2003-0248, must be received
on or before February 3, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by mail, electronically, or in person.
Please follow the detailed instructions for each method as provided in Unit I.
of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, it is
imperative
[[Page 68043]] that you identify docket ID number OPP-2003-0248 in the subject
line on the first page of your response.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By mail: Bonaventure Akinlosotu, Antimicrobials
Division (7510C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460.
Office location for commercial courier delivery, telephone number and e-mail
address: Rm. 308, Crystal Mall 2, 1921 Jefferson
Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202, (703) 605-0653; e-mail:
akinlosotu.bonaventure@epa.gov.
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