EPA Establishes Tolerance for Methyl Bromide in Cottonseed to Encourage Imports

The Environmental Protection Agency established, effective June 12, a tolerance of 150 ppm for residues of methyl bromide in or on cotton, undelinted seed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The EPA said it established the tolerance because there is a need for imported undelinted cottonseed for use as additional feed for dairy cattle in the U.S. because of a 13% reduction in U.S. cotton production in the 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 seasons as a result of drought in Texas. Objections and requests for hearings on the EPA’s final rule are due by August 13.