Document 2a4zMnOeRBNB9Ex6KQwvNOkR

4i ASSOCIATION Of tOOD AAD Dfllr, OFFICIALS lied PCBs in bird tissue in Sweden in 1966 Analytical methods for routine examination of food were not available at that time. How ever, in July 1969, FDA furnished its field laboratories with a GLC method employing an electron capture detector for determining PCB residues in food in the presence of DDT, which is r.major inteitenng chemical, Immediately, our FDA laboratories began an alyzing food samples for PCBs and in November 1969 the FDA field laboratories were instructed to analyze all raw agricultural commodities sampled in the pesticide program for PCBs. _ No PCBs have been found in fresh fruits and vegetables This , finding is indeed significant because thousands of samples have been analyzed, PCBs have, however, been found in a feed by-prod uct from potato processing plants, The source of the contamination could not be identified. Of all foods. PCBs are encountered most frequently in fish; the fish from Lake Michigan, particularly the Coho salmon, usually contain higher levels than other domestic lake or river fish, The incidence of detectable PCB residues is lower in salt water fish (25% as opposed to 66% in fresh water fish, based on rather limited FDA data) and the PCB levels in salt water fish are also lower. Confronted with the problem of a high percent age of fresh water fish containing excessive levels of PCBs, FDA, in February 1970, set an action level of five parts per million in the edible portion of the fish. Incidentally, you will note that the action level for PCBs in fish is the same as our administrative guideline for DDT in fish. In July 1971, somewhat unexpectedly, one of FDA's routine analyses of a total diet sample for pesticide residues showed a small amount of PCBs in the food composite consisting of grain and cereal products. Further investigation showed that PCBs were present in only one component of the composite, namely, shredded wheat bis cuit The paperboard dividers used to separate the individual bis cuits were found to contain a high level of PCBs and presumably contaminated the biscuits. A followup at the paper mill indicated that the dividers had been produced from recycled paper including carbonless copy paper, , These findings, which demonstrate the value of FDA's continuing total diet studies, suggested food packaging made from recycled paper as a potential source of PCB entry into food. Therefore, in the fall of 1971 FDA instituted a special nation-wide survey of foods packaged in paper materials to determine the extent and the degree of this type pf contamination. Both the food and its paper packaging were analyzed. The initial determination was made by GLC using an electron capture detector; the size of the response for the sample was compared with that for a commercial PCB with the most similar GLC pattern (usually Aroclo: 1242). Positive findings were confirmed, when deemed nec essary, by halogen-specific GLC detection or by rechromatograph Ing after alkali treatment. \ VS'oriuinv or innn \M> nr.,r. nn/iti,- h Table 1 summarizes the levels of PCBs found in the food and in its packaging for each of 15 food categories For the packaging of each food sample or senes of food samples the PCB levels are shown; with a series, the range of PCBs in the package is followed by a slash mark and the average value of the series All paper packaging material was classified, as definitely as possible, as being made from recycled or virgin material, If any component of the packaging was recycled, all of the packaging components of that sample were placed under the heading of recycled packaging ma terial. As might be expected PCB levels in virgin packaging material are significantly lower than those in recycled packaging material, and of courser=the packaged food also shows this difference, The ' overall average of PCBs in all packaged food was 0.1 part per mil lion. _ In regard to those cases where PCB residues were found in pack- . aging components that appeared to be composed of virgin material, it is possible that some of the packaging may have been incorrectly classified, In addition, it is also likely that virgin packaging may have picked up PCBs from the water in the paper pulping operation, from chemicals or equipment in the paper mill, or from the park- _ age manufacturing operation. - '- In some instances PCBs were present In the packaging, but none ' were found in the food. This condition could be due to such factors - as insufficient time for migration to occur or a relatively impervious \ packaging component betxveen the food and the paperboard. On the ' other hand, a few food samples contained PCB residues even though _ _ none was found in the packaging. L Table 2 shows the percentages of the food samples and of the ' packaging samples containing PCBs segregated by the type of paper packaging, i.e,, recycled or virgin, - * ' ~~ The incidence of PCB residues reported in food samples which were packaged in recycled packaging components was 15.8% of 7 the total samples, while in food packaged in virgin materials this incidence was 3,4% of the total samples. Thus a total of about 19% . of all foods sampled contained PCB residues. The incidence of PCBs --was highest in the infant cereals category (75%), but only 16 sam ples in this category were examined However, it may be significant that 14 of the 16 samples were packaged in recycle paper. The inci dence of PCB residues was in the range of 20-40% in the categories of rice, oatmeal, and farina; dried fruit; and prepared mixes. A review of the individual sample reports showed that when the food contained 0.5 ppm or more PCBs, in all but one case it had been in direct contact with packaging material containing PCBs. This survey indicates that a principal source of PCB residues in foods packaged in paper products is PCBs in the packaging ma terial. ` Before leaving the food and food packaging survey, I should like HONS 206428 46 ASSOCIATION OF FOOD AND DRLG OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION OF FOOD AND DlllC OFFICIALS 4/ TABLE 1. LEVELS OF PCB IN FOOD AND IN FOOD PACKAGING MATERIALS Mitfrtaj. (ra<Uff/iT) - - __ -- _-- - ZZ 8 -- -- 0 -- -- -- 0-5.0/17 OlhfT -- 6.0 . ,6 0 ^77.6/3 8 ' 0-S1.0/14.6 :o -,,-- -- 07.0/3.5 ___ T-29.0/10.3 ef 1 6 16 1 7 1 21 73 0 390 24 2 230 2.... ----- ` '13 _ 10 -- :r. .. -- ,, ' 1 V __ Tlrjjii Packaging MalrrlaJ PCS H Pickl^lsf 'ppfnj (rufe/irt? ) PCB ta PipfrtwlH tppml Picket iDsrr Wo# DNtoy 00** 01 12 0 1.0 0 T-12 0/4 1 0.04/D3 00 0 .... 0 -0 0 0 0,1 04 __ 0 T-10 0/2.2 00 T0 -- ---- 00 0 0 -- 01 0-O.3/0.1 0-0 T/0 3 . _ 30 0 0-4.6/0.4 03.3/0 3 041.7/0 2 04.0/1.0 00 0 -- --- : 0-23 0/11.2 -0 -- ---- --' 0-6.2/2.1 -- --1 ----- * ( , 7 -6 4.0 02 0 0 32 T-13/0.6 0 - 0 0-13/03 0 ___ _ _ --- -- _-- 1 03 0 9.5 -- ' ----- 1 TT T -- ___ . 2 0 1-6-5 0/3.4 T -- -- 19 0 0 0 -- -- _ _ _ --0 0 -- -- 0 * ' --- -- -- -- -- "*N 03.0/L2 _ 0. ' -- -- 1.0-7.0/3.7 9` ' 11.0 3.8 3.6 3.8 16,0 T-71.0/282 6.4 1 2 9 1 1 6 1 6 1 1 0.2 0 0 2.5 0.1 0 02 0 0' O 0 T 0 119 1.0 0-5.0/L5 0 0 22 ' 0 -- _ 0 111 1.0 0 0 --> _ -- _ _ -- 0 -- 0 -- 0.7 0-3.0/13 0 -- -- -- -- -- 2.0 0 HONS 206429 \'cocivr;<>\ or foou uuu #9 Cookies, Ready to-Eat 59 1 0 9 35 0 1 0 3 26 0 _ 2 01 2 0-16 3/9.1 19 0 0-27 7/83 15 0 60 0 0-3 2/0 9 13 ,,_ 0-2 0/0 6 #10 "Refrigerated, unbaked SpecLaities #11 Rice, Oatmeal, Farina, etc ,,_ * 34 42 40 0 3 S 01 0 0-215/71 7 1.6-70 0/6 S 50 0 1 2 3 57 0 1 l a 27.0 1 1 2 36.0 1 09 900 0 04.0/1 8 _ _ _ _ 0 _ /_ _ t1 _-_ _ 1 07 17 0 1 0 S 48.0 2 0.5 12.0-13,0/12.5 3 04 5 0-31,0/16 0 l 0,3 12.0 1 0 2 86 _ _ ---- _ _ _. _ -- Z 0.1 4.0-4.3/4 1 20 30 12 0 1.7-37/7.3 20 0 #12 Chocolate and Cocoa Products 41 1 01 60 1-0-3 0/1.9 0 0 1.0 -- -- 3 T 8.0-17.0/7.3 0-3.0/1 0 -- 22 0 0-24 0/10 5 0-8 0/0 6 0-17,0/9.8 #13 Grated Cheese and Cheese products, Dry #14 Dried Fruits #15 Frown Fruit Juice 20 0 1 T* 0 IT 6 0 0-46 6/7.2 a. S 01 0 1-T3/20.2 3 0 5.0-30/12.5 20 0 ' 17 1 T T 20 0 0 0 3 0-11 0/3 5 0-38/12.9 O-6.O/1.0 0-- -- -- 0 -- -- -- -- _ -- KOTEJi duk H lodlcttH that chi* conpooant of Um pickift wu not prMtf h tb* nnptai Ihv I *Rm four Jutted of PCS found Is th* food aad mm found la tb pidift an listed Mpuratotr with as Morfsk () m s^M q tnoa daaltmteo potitlv* chrtKnito^iapWc shavtac of PCS hot teldw fb* qnHdteXim Iht* ''OGtef * pTTi,|tng autmiai lacludw outer *rapp*n. outor carted** *tc. 84 0 2 01 10-4 0/2 5 30 90 4 0 0-1 3/0 8 10 35 9 0-20 0/3 2 0 25 0 1 1 7* 0 0 _0 2 5-177/89 7 2 0 0-4 4/23 ' 5.4 0-26 0/7. .0 14 0 1 T* 0 0 0 0 20 0 _ 1 03 10 01 13 03 0 50 11 0 0 0 12 0 _ _ 0 9-2 0/1 4 0 0 --_ "t 04 0 _0_ _0 _ 7.0 0 _ 20 -- _ 0-8,0/4.0 24.0 _ 0-160,0/23 9 0 -- 1.0 0*11/8 S 1M1 0/4.8 0 -- 2 T 1.0-4 0/2.5 2 0 1.0-3 0/2.0 -- 0 70 1 T* 0 0 0 0 80 30 1 03 20 30 90 S0 0.7 0/3.1 0 0 0-1.0/0-5 0 0-75.0/8.3 0 -- 0 -- 0.8-1.7/13 0 0 --0 -- -- 00 00 -- 1.0-20/15 --0 -- 03 _ -- -- 0 -- ---- Hons 206430 50 ASSOCIATION CPF FOOD A.ND DIIUC OFFICIALS to emphasize that ue must view these data with a great deal of caution This survey probably reflects samples at least one year old and the industry has furnished us with data on more recent sam ples, indicating that the corrective action they have taken is al ready effective these PCB residue data appear to be significantly lower, both in food and in its paper packaging We in FDA are hope ful that this apparent trend will continue as the industry moves to eliminate all the likely sources of PCB contamination to the degree possible, observing not only the letter of the proposed PCB regula tion in the Fedeial Register of last March but the spirit of that document as well. TABLE 2. INCIDENCE <%) OF PCBs IN FOOD AND PAPER PACKAGING MATERIALS FDA SURVEY. 1971 RtcjcltA Packaging Virata Packaging F*o4 C*(etry N. Pi Food with Pkjt. vim Food *Kh Sample* pcb ir.i PCB 1%) PCB VUi PCB wI'Dli* 1. Crackers, Bread Crumhs, etc 79 164 620 1 2 s6 2. Macaroni and Noodle Products 64 12 5 51 5 31 12 5 3. Pretrels, chips, etc 4. Breakfast cereals, Ready-to-Eat 58 10 3 51 7 34 25 8 45 17 7 60,0 22 17.7 5. Prepared mixes. Dry 60 20 0 ' 58.3 33 66 . Dried milk and dried milk products 13 0 7.6 76 23.0 7 Dessert* and pudding mixes 35 8.5 542 S.S 22.8 8. Infant cereals, dry 16 75 0 87 5 0 6.2 9 Cookies, Ready-to-Eat 59 67 389 so 101 10. Refrigerated unbaked specialties 34 8.8 35.2 29 5.8 11. Rice, oatmeal. Farina 42 357 642 23 4.7 12. Chocolate and cocoa products 41 12.1 634 7.3 9.7 13. Grated cheese and cheese products, dry 17 0 35.2 0 4T.0 14. Dried fruits 21 238 61 9 47 14.2 15 Frozen fruit juices 17 5* 58 0 52 9 Total* G01 ISA 49 2 3.4 17.9 Table 3 shows the results obtained in a national milk survey for PCBs in early 1972 (completed on April 28,1972), Milk destined for consumption as fluid milk was sampled separately from milk des tined for manufacturing use. The sampling was on a random basis to reflect milk production in each of the states. This survey was prompted by a finding of several cases of PCBs in milk. These cases are further discussed below. The overall percentage of milk containing PCBs was 5.2%, and most of the PCBs were identified as Aroclor 1254. However, the sample is much too small to conclude that there is a real difference ; I i ! ' Aa(H.<A rn> v in iu<>i> 'Mr i".ii. i, 51 between milk for bottling and milk for manufacturing It is note worthy that onlv one cf the total 520 samples showed a residue in excess of 2 5 ppm, the recently proposed temporary tolerance Wo are following up in ail cases wheie the level of PCBs is 1 5 ppm or higher in the fat in order to deteimine the source of PCB contam ination. TABLE 3. FDA MILK SURVEY OF 197Z FOR PCBs Milk for bottling Total No of samples Samples containing PCB Rjoge of PCB levels (fat basis) 360 2'. sflT* T 2.8 p p m. Sample* containing 0 - 0 S p p m Samples containing 0 6 -1 0 p p m. Samples contaioing 1 1 - 2 0 Samples containing more than 20 10 5, 5' 1 Milk for manufacturing Total No of sample* Samples containing PCB Range of PCB levels (fat basis) 160 6r 3 Set T IJ p m.m. Overall % of mitk containing PCB 5.2% Table 4 shows the results of a national survey of animal feed for PCBs, which was completed in early 1972. The incidence of con tamination was 4.3%, but the highest level found was only 0,6 ppm. Thus, there appears to be no significant problem with animal feed generally, but we must be alert to industrial accidents. TABLE 4, FDA SURVEY OF ANIMAL FEED FOR PCB*, 1972 r**4 C*f**7 tip. ot S#Wpl41 X*. Ooliialaf Comaialag PCB PCB IUa(* * PCS m- Beef Dairy Sheep Chicken Layers Chicken Broiler Turkeys Figs Other Total 281 6 21% T - 0.6 161 1 5.0% T - 05 42 3 7 0% T - 05 77 5 es% T- 01 416 16 4.3% T - 0 5 38 2 S 37* Trace 210 9 4 3% T - 04 49 S 10.2% T - 0.4 1274 54 4.3% Table 5 shows the result* of our total diet studies for PCBs for fiscal year (FY) 1970, FY 1971, and one half of FY 1972. These studies cover 74 market baskets representing a total of 8S8 com posites. Sixty of these composites were found to contain PCB resi dues ranging from a trace to 0.36 ppm. Aproximately half of these 60 samples (27) represented meat, fish, and poultry composite. Most of the remaining positives were the grain and cereal composites MNS 206*31 52 orassociation iouu ami oulu- ohiliais (22), These studies indicate that the dietary intake of PCBs is of a low order. Expressed as mg kg body weight per day the PCB level during these years was definitely less than 0.0001. As a point of reference, it Is noted that the curient dietary intake of DDT is about 0.0007 mg/kg body weight per day. FT IT* 10 market basket* FYOTl 29 market basket* 11 -- ft tm l4 market baskets thus far reported ---- - -- TABLE 5. PCB* IN TOTAL DIET C*m*MlU 1 t Dairy Product* II Meat, Fish and Poultry XI Sugars and Adjunct* I 3 1 II Meat. Fish and Poultry III Crain and Cereal Product* VIII Garden Fruits X Oils, Fats and Shortening 17 9 1 1 I Dairy Products 1 n Meat, Fish and Poultry III Grain and Cereal Products IV Potatoes VI Legume Vegetables VII Root Vegetables X Oils, Fats and Shortening XI Sugar and Adjuncts 7 13 t 1 I 1 2 Ri| if p -) o.os 0.09 0 13 0.08 T - 0.15 T 0.36 T T T T T - .035 T T. T 15 T Let's turn our attention now to the major incidents of food con tamination with PCBs. As we shail see, most of these have been caused by accidents. Milk 1. West Virginia Incident. In July 1969, FDA's Baltimore Dis trict found PCBs in milk samples collected in the routine food sur veillance program. Baltimore District investigated possible routes of contamination, and by February 1970, the investigation pointed ter spent transformer fluid used as a vehicle for herbicide sprayed along power rights-of-way in the Martinsburg, West Virignia area. Through this route, PCBs contaminated dairy cattle grazing areas.The dairy farms involved were taken off production by state of-' ficials, using an action level of 0.2 ppm (whole milk basis) recom mended by FDA. 2. Ohio Incident. In April 1970, the State of Ohio notified FDA's Cincinnati District of unidentifiable residues in milk. FDA identi fied the residues as PCBs. The State of Ohio and FDA invesugated the problem and determined that the dairy farms were using a PCB---containing sealant in silos that migrated to the silage. The ` State of Ohio banned milk from some producers and destroyed an undetermined amount of milk. ASiOClATIUN OF FOOU It., I r. ft..,fill.. St 3. Florida-Georgia Incidents. The States of Florida and Georgia reported Findings of PCBs in milk to FDA's Atlanta District in August 1970. A PCB-contaimng sealant in silos was also found to be the source of contamination in this incident, FDA found approx imately 11 percent PCB in the silo coatipf Poultry 1. New York State Incident. Analyses indicated PCBs in poultry fat varying from a non-detectabie level to 26 8 parts per million. FDA advised the State of New York and USDA on February 1. 1971. that FDA would not object to the distribution of poultry con taining less than five parts per million. This level was applicable to the edible tissue on a whole tissue basis or to the separate fat removed during slaughter or processing and intended for use as a food or feed ingredient. The source of the PCBs in this incident is believed by State of ficials to have been plastic bakery wrappers. Bakery goods were used as a feed ingredient for the poultry and the plastic wrappers which may have contained high PCB levels were ground with the bakery goods However, PCBs are not authorized by the food addi tive regulations for any use in food packaging materials. 2. East Coast Terminal Incident (FDA Actions). The Monsanto Chemical Company informed FDA in July 1971 that large amounts of fish rr.eai might have been contaminated with Arocior 1242 leak ing from a heatirg system during pasteurization of fish meal at East Coast Terminal, Wilmington. North Carolina. Arocior 1242 was used as the heat exchange fluid. FDA inspection revealed PCB contamination of the processed fish meal on hand at the firm An investigation indicated the leak began in April 1971 and continued through July. The fish meal on the premises was embargoed and the firm ini tiated a voluntary recali of fish meai processed during the PCB ieakage period Individual fish meai samples examined contained from 14 to 30 parts per million PCBs. FDA seized three lots of eggs and five shipments of fish feeds with high residues, as well as a shipment of the contaminated fish meal from East Coast Terminal that had not been recalled. 3. East Coast Terminal Incident (USDA Actions). The Food and Drug Administration immediately informed USDA of the PCB-contaminated fish meal, which had been used in poultry feed. The five parts per million action level for poultry was re affirmed. The Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, USDA. was also notified by Holly Farms, Wilkesboro, North Carolina (July 1971) that poor hatchability had alerted them to a problem in their poultry operation. The cause was PCBs In the poultry ration arising from the use of contaminated fish meal as a feed ingredient from one supplier In North Carolina. MONS 206432 u or roor> \nd mar. orrin,\t.s 4 Minnesota Incident. USDA notified FDA in August 1971 that USDA and Swift and Company had found excessive PCB levels in turkeys. - Investigation indicated that the PCB residues found in the tur keys were caused by the feed, which apparently contained a PCBcontaminated Tat ingredient. The suspect fat used by the feed mill was received from a processor in Minnesota. It was found that the fat being manufactured at the time of the investigation contained negligible levels of PCB The source of the PCB levels found in the turkeys was never definitely established. 5, Oklahoma Incident. On August 20, 1971, USDA informed FDA of excessive PCB find ings in chickens in Mississippi during routine sampling. Investiga tion revealed that the birds came from a grower in Oklahoma and the feed from a milt also in Oklahoma. FDA analyses of eggs and feeds from these firms showed no PCBs. 6. California Incident During the past year, USDA examined turkeys after slaughter in warehouse storage in California. PCBs were found in the amount of 1 41 to 28.0 parts per million in the fat tissue. A total of 100,000 pounds of turkeys were detained until testing was completed. The turkeys had originated from flocks raised in four counties in California. The source of the PCBs could not be determined. Toxicology of PCBs. The following is a brief summary of the tox icology data derived from animal experiments and from human exposure. Toxicity of polychlorinated biphenyls has been extensively studied in white leghorn chicken, the rat, and the dog, and to a lesser degree in certain other animals. The chicken studies indicate that PCBs result in reduced growth, some reduction of food intake, a decrease in egg production, and a decrease in hatchability of the eggs; the no-effect levels appear to be about 2 ppm for Arocior 1260. Chick embryo studies indicate that lethal effects decrease with increases in the chlorine content of PCBs, and that a variety of birth defects can result from PCBs tested in this sensitive system. However, chick embryo studies are not directly relevant to man. Studies In rats and dogs extending for two years indicate that at 100 ppm in the diet the effects are essentially the same in both spe cies: moderate growth depression and liver enlargement and no in dication of carcinogenesis. In the rat there were also lesions of the liver and an effect on two enzyme systems: the hepatic enzymes and serum alkaline phosphates, In a multigeneration reproduction study in rats the primary effect was reduced survival of pups at the 100 ppm level. The basic picture with reference to toxicity was the same for all of the Arodors studied, although the most highly Ao-nci iTiiis m lOfiu ,;i n,: <: . r i u - >< chlorinated 1260 appeared to be slightly less toxic than the 12.64 or 1242. In summary for the chronic rat and dog studies, as well as the reproduction study in the rat. the no-effect level appeared to be about 10 ppm Other studies in the rat also indicate that the PCBs are not teratogenic or mutagenic. Pathologically, monkeys given 1.4 to 16 mg/day PCBs in their diet showed liver cell enlargement, fattv degeneration; and an in crease in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum of the liver cells indi cating fibrotic changes Alteration of liver metabolism, changes in hexabarbltai sleeping time and other enzymatic related detoxifica tion steps were noted, largely related to induction of hepatic hy- droxylatmg enzymes. Human intoxication (termed Yusho disease) with Kanachior 400, a PCB manufactured in Japan with 48"r chlorine, but of unknown chemical purity, was noted when a heat exchanger leaked into nee oil which was consumed bv Japanese families in 1968. About 1,000 people were eventually affected. Exposure levels to the oil ranged upwards to more than 1400 mi. The oil itself contained PCBs in the range of about 2000-2600 ppm as shown by chemical analysis. When the consumption of the oil was below 180 ml, the Yusho attack rate was zero; but above 180 ml., the incidence and degree of effect in creased with the quantity consumed, reaching lOOfJ- incidence at about 1400 mi. The clinical problems associated with the Japanese incident in cluded chloracne, swelling of the eyelids, anorexia, numbness, joint pain, nausea, headache, and muscle weakness. Blilh abnormalities were noted in that a few babies were bom with decreased birth weights and skin discoloration (cola-colored babies) which later regressed. At present these infants, now three years old, appear normal in every respect. The adults still suffer some of the effects of Yusho. The Japanese at Kyushu University Medical College plan to follow up on the Yusho victims on a yearly basis as long as they can be identified and funds are available. Thus, additional informa ' tion may be forthcoming. Tn a human monitoring survey conducted by the Division of Pestl' cide Community Studies of EPA, the fatty tissue of 688 people in the states of Michigan, Florida, and Colorado were analyzed. Almost two-thirds showed detectable PCBs ranging from a trace up to more than two ppm. About one-third of the samples show'ed a trace to 1.0 ppm., and only about 5rr of the samples exceeded two ppm. These PCBs were largely Arocior 1254 but Arocior 126(1 was also well represented. ' To summarize what is presently known, the no-effect level in test mammals Is approximately 10 ppm in the total diet. Based on this animal data with allowance for a 1.500 g. human dietary food in take, the ADI would permit a 100-fold margin of safety if set at 150 micrograms PCBs per day (0.1 ppm In the total diet). From the observations available to us concerning the Japanese incident, the HONS 206433 -V, I'-'OcnTiON or ioou wi> dux oi-mchls maximum cumulative exposure that did not result in Yusho was 500 mg PCBs Thus, both animal and human data emphasize the heed to eliminate to the extent possible all residues of iTCBs in our food supply. FDA Plans with Respect to PCB, In light of all the available data including animal feeding studies, the human data from the Japanese Yusho incident, and a history of use in the industry for about 40 years without any deleterious effects in man being reported, the FDA has concluded that there is no immediate hazard to the pub lic health from the low level of environmental contamination lead ing to residues in food, but that it is prudent to reduce the long term exposure of man. Thus, the Federal Register of March 18, 1972 contains a proposal to deal with PCBs. Table 6 summarizes the major points in the proposal of FDA with respect to PCBs. Comments on the proposal were invited: deadline was July 16, 1972. TABLE e. PROPOSED PCB ORDER, MARCH 18, 1972 I. Preamble summarizes the PCB situation i. PCBs not considered to be an Immediate hazard to public health J. PCB levels in food and animal feed must be reduced to minimize the long term exposure 4. PCBs would be prohibited in food, food-packaging and feed manufacturing plants 5. Would prohibit recycling of paper containing PCBs for food packaging use <J. Proposed temporary tolerances for unavoidable residues of PCBs 1. Milk ffat basis) ........ Parts Per Million 2. Dairy products ({at basis) _ . 2.5 3. Poultry (fat bads) . 5O 4. F.{ft 05 S. Finished animal feed ..... OK . Animal feed components (tnchiding fishmeal) . 7. Fish (edible portion) _ so 8. Infant and junior foods . 0.1 9. Food-packaging material --____ ______________ 5.0 In condition, the Federal Register proposal of March 18, 1972 presents a brief, authoritative statement on the status of PCBs with respect to food. For a rather comprehensive discussion of PCBs, I recorpmend the federal publication entitled Polychlorinated Bi phenyl* and the Envvonment by the Interdepartmental Task Force on PCBs, Washington, D. C., May 1972. It is available from the National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of Com merce, Springfield, Virginia 22151 for $6.00 per copy. This report of ; 1 | AsjUUUfICA til >VVV AMI OULU Ulllll'lj " approximately 190 pages is the product of a six-month review nf PCBs by five federal agencies and undoubtedly provides a better coverage of the subject than any other single publication. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The analyses reported here were made by the chemists in the If field district offices of the FDA. The analytical data with respect to food were compiled and evaluated by the Division of Regulatory Guidance and the Division of Product Technology in the Bureau of Foods: and the data with respect to animal feed, by the Bureau of Veterinary Drugs, The assistance of all involved in the rather extensive studies described above is gratefully acknowledged. \ HONS 206434 r VOLUME 37 ASSOCIATION OF FOOD & DRUG iihk OF THE UNITED STATES NO. 1 IRLY BULlXETmA*-^J JANUARY, 1973 What Was the Food and Drug Administration?-- Raymond Galant . ......................... Federal Preemption--A Possible Route to Uniformity In the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law Area-- . Francis E, McLaughlin, James J. Corrigan ................ 11 Changing Consumer Values and How They Change The FDA--Charles C. Edxmrds ...................................... 23 President's Address--Fred L. Lofsvold .................. 33 Medicated Feeds And Animal Drug Residues--Current Regulatory Problems And Future Outlook-- F. Eduard Sterner, D.V,M. \ ' . 39 The Status of PCBs--L. L. Ramsey ..................43 Report From Canada--D. G. Chapman . , 59 Microbial Contamination of Foods--A. E. Abrahamson 69 Are Microbiological Standards For Foods Needed?-- David Kronick , . ........ 73 Organization And Activities Of The Laboratory Section, Central States Association of Food And Drug Officials-- Ronald Self .......................... 79 CASA Award--1972--Eaton E. Smith . ........ 83 Minutes of Meeting--September 13, 1972 New York Conference of Health Officers and Food and Drug Officials ........... 85 State Law Charts (Enforcement Agencies and Principal Provisions) . . . . .................... 88 77TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE 17-21 JUNE 1973 RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA / ' Edited and Published By: THE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE EDITORIAL OFFICE: Often t. Wlemann, P. O. Pox 30306, Dcnror, Colorado ' >0220 BUSINESS OFFICE: Evan Wright, Secretary-Treasurer, P. O. Box 14M, , Topeka, Kauai GG6Q3 '' t *^