Document B81jkgEMe8Zpq0YraJ2XGJLpE

FOOD CHEMICAL NEWS t iviwokly Wtohlngton publication for oxocutivoi providing ln-doptli information rogarding regulation of food odditivoi, color), poilicido), and allied product). Volume 17, Number 32 e October 27, 1975 HIGHLIGHTS of the news RED 2 rapid safety decision or regulatory action urged by GAO. NITRITE proposals expedited by USDA, may appear this week. DRAINED WEIGHT labeling proposed for canned fruits, vegetables. DRAINED WEIGHT proposal fate linked to economic factors. FOOD STANDARD amendments proposed for drained weight. Page50 Page45 Page 5 Page 11 Page13 AFLATOXIN unconfirmed findings In corn result In Midwest scare. DES regulation or legislation will set precedent, Schmidt says. MEAT plants denied Inspection because of APHIS budget crunch. "MEAT" revised definition considered by USDA, AMI Is told. RAILCAR sanitation voluntary efforts urged by FDA's Roberts. Page27 Page48 Page51 Page57 Page19 CONSUMER Protection Agency bill granted rule for House debate. FOOD SURVEILLANCE bill won't pass 94th Congress, FDA-er predicts. PRESSURES ON FDA for quick, simple answers hit by Tepper. INDUSTRIAL CONTAMINANTS-In-food methods being developed by FDA. CYCLAMATE, saccharin safety reaffirmed by Swiss Committee. Page53 Page 4 0 Page36 Page 23 Page17 MERCURY-ln-fish new advisory committee proposal rejected by FDA. CITRIC ACID GRAS Petition results In Order for extraction. GRAS PETITION rejection changed to request for more Information. PIMIENTOS from three more Spanish firms barred by FDA. "AMERICAN WAY OF CANCER" TV program response Issued by CAST. Page 18 Page54 Page29 Page35 Page 38 SULFITES Scientific Status Summary Issued by IFT. BOARD OF INQUIRY hearing provisions In FDA proposals criticised. CANNED CHERRY proposal for use of red color defended. PVC proposal by FDA questioned by New Zealand government. SHELLFISH proposal exclusion for recreation questioned. Page 41 Page 3 0 Page 2 2 Page 20 Page 21 FEED GMP proposal changes suggested by State agencies. ANISAKINE nematodes in fish can survive freezing, FDA-er warns. MICROORGANISM control combination cleared few sugar mill use. ANTIOXIDANT/STABILIZER clearance extended to olefin copolymers. RECALLS: plmlentos; hearts of palm; canned low-acid foods. Page 22 Page 44 Page 5 6 Page 56 Page 42 LOUIS ROTHSCHILD, Jr.. Edltur and PubUihar. 420 Colorado Bid*,. 134) Q St,, N.W., WwMngtofl. O.C. 20005 For iutoolbar* onty-copyrlgtilad FOOD CHEMICAL NEWS, Inc. 1975 STartin* 3 7472 Steoffd-CItii PoiUto Paid at Wnhlnftoo, D.C. 20013 HONS 202161 October 27, 1975 huge 2 3 FC-CD CHEMICAL AE'.VS However, comments objecting to the proposal were received from Virginia Knauer, consumer advisor to the President (See FOOD CHEMICAL N'LWS, Aug, 11. Page and from Knousc foods, as well as from consumers, Knouse later withdrew erne o: its objections (See FOOD CHEMICAL NEWS. Sept. 22, Page 9). In response to another objection from Knouse concerning limitation of consumer choice, the Institute ncted tin at it expects "that the colored product will initially represent a very small portion of the water processed pack," and that "Increased use of color will depend entirely on consumer acceptance of the product. The choice... will, therefore, be made by the consumer." Responding to the Knauer criticisms, the Institute stated that "the consumer will not be deceived as the fact of the addition of color will be noted on the label," and that "the color, Red #40, which will be used, has been accepted by the (FDA) as safe for use on tart cherries," The Institute acknowledged the drop in sales attributable to appearance is circum stantial, but maintained that the consumer will not accept "a dull gray or tepid brown colored cherry." Knauer1 s objection that the aging of canned cherries would be masked by the added coloring would be valid, the Institute noted, "if we were dealing with a commodity that was subject to continual fresh processing. . However. It stated, the "Industry basically only packs the market requirements of twelve months," during the tart cherry season which is from early July to mid-August. ... ,t;/SP Dl^ " Jf'l iocri rhA7 Jcd FDA IS DEVELOPING METHODS FOR DETECTING INDUSTRIAL CONTAMINANTS IN FOOD The Food and Drug Administration is developing new methods which the agency hopes will help spot potential food contamination problems resulting from industrial discharges into the atmosphere or water supplies. FDA scientists reported some of the new developments at the 99th annual meeting of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists Oct. 13-16 In Washington (Sec FOOD CHEMICAL NEWS. Oct. 20, Page 23) during a Symposium on Analytical Methods for the Identification and Measurement of Chemical Pollutants in Aquatic Uiota. The symposium was one of four held during the AOAC meeting. The AOAC sponsored a joint symposium with the Society of Cosmetic Chemists on Cosmetic Analytical Techniques while the others included a Symposium on Mass Spectrometry and a Symposium on Forensic Sciences. Almost 250 papers were delivered during the meeting dealing with methods for a myriad of food contaminants. HONS 202162 Page 24 October 27, 1975 FOOD CHEMICAL NEWS In the symposium on chemical pollutants, FDA-ers reported on new methods for detect ing halogenated industrial chemicals from fish. Analyses revealed residues of 7 chlorinated benzenes, 4 bromlnated benzenes, 3 chlorinated norbornene derivatives, hexachlorobutadlene and pentachloroanlsole. Another procedure was described as detecting levels at a sensitivity as low as 0,02 p.p.m. of a number of Industrial aromatic amines in fish. Recoveries were made from fortified fish of diphenylamlne, 1-naphthylamlne, N-phenyl-l-naphthylamine. N-nltrosodiphenylamine and 3,3`-dlchlorobenzldene. During the symposium, FDA-ers reported on surveys of shellfish for eight heavy metals In 14 major estuaries on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. Lead levels had decreased in most areas (See FOOD CHEMICAL NEWS, Oct. 20, Page 3), according to the report, which found mercury well below guideline levels In all areas. Analyses also covered arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, selenium and zinc. Hexachlorobutadlene Survey Results Reported at AOAC FDA also reported on a special survey of hexachlorobutadlene In fish, eggs, milk and vegetables from 10 sites In five different states within a 25 mile radius of perchloroethylene or trichloroethylene manufacturing plants. FDA found hexachlorobutadlene in 10 of 28 fish samples at levels ranging from .01 to 1.20 p.p.m. No residues were found In IS samples of eggs and 20 samples of a number of different vegetables. Residues were detected In one of 20 milk samples, at 1.3 2 p.p.m. Milk re-sampled In the same area showed no residues of hexachlorobutadlene. The fish contamination was limited largely to fresh water areas In the lower Mississippi. In a survey for polychlorinated biphenyls in fish In 1973, FDA reported 45.6% of all samples were positive while 3.3% would be considered violative. In Great Lakes fish, FDA found 82% samples positive for PCBs, with 17.3% considered violative, according to the agency's tolerances for unavoidable residues (See FOOD CHEMICAL NEWS, Oct. 13, Pages 9 and 21). CPA Chief Stresses Need for Toxic Substances Act to Deal with PCB Problems Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Russell E. Train recently made a pitch for passage of the Toxic Substances Control Act (S 776), saying that the regulation of PCBs la an area in which EPA does not have adequate authority.' He told "San. Hart (D-Mlch.) Ms agency is hamstrung because It cannot regulate the manufacture of PCBs or Imports of the products without new authority. In a letter In which he responded to charges by Hart that the agency was not doing enough about PCBs, Train said EPA has numerous programs underway on the PCB problem. Including more than a dozen newly initiated ones. However, he emphasized that the agency's "ability to address the PCB problem" would be greatly enriched by passage of the pending bill. HONS 202163 October 27, 1975 Page 25 FOOD CHEMICAL NEWS In the letter to Train, Hart cited increasing hazards from PCBs, noting that levels in Lake Michigan and the Hudson River have resulted in fish containing PCS above the action level of 5 p.p.m. established by FDA. Hart also cited new research data "which would lead one to believe that the human health hazard associated with PCBs has been substantially underestimated." The Michigan Senator mentioned research conducted by Dr. Renata Kimbrough of the Center for Disease Control showing a significant increase in the incidence of carcinoma In rats at 100 p.p.m. In addition, he cited studies by Dr. I. R. Allen of the University of Wisconsin which revealed substantial impairment of reproduc tive capacity In rhesus monkeys. "EPA Is In a unique position to act to control the discharge of PCB to the environ ment," Hart maintained, noting It has authority under various statutes. Including the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Water Pollution Control Act. "While It Is Indisputable that passage of the Toxic Substances Control Act would aid EPA in controlling use of this and related substances, I would urge your agency to redouble Its efforts in laying the groundwork for a standard under this bill when it becomes law," Hart wrote. The Senator also noted that many were hopeful that PCBs In the environment would be controlled significantly by the voluntary action taken by the Monsanto Company at the Joint urging of EPA, FDA and the Council on Environmental Quality to limit the use of PCBs to closed systems. Hart noted, however, that "we appear to have made little progress under this program in reducing the hazard posed by PCBs and some of their sister compounds, poly chlorinated terphenyls and polybromlnated biphenyls." EPA Has Learned of at Least 20 PCB' Spills Since 1972 A letter from EPA4* Assistant Administrator for Enforcement Stanley Legro to Sen. Tunney (D-Calif.) noted that the agency "has no evidence that the Monsanto Com pany has violated Its voluntary agreement to restrict sales to customers Involved in the manufacture of closed electrical systems." ".On the other hand," Legro continued, "there are Indications that several of . Monsanto's customers are using PCBs for other purposes, such as heat transfer fluids end vacuum pump seal oil In their own manufacturing operations." "In addition," Legro wrote I\jnney, responding to the Senator's concern about PCB use and distribution with respect to its potential control by the Toxic Substances Control Act, "evidence suggests that Importers are also distributing PCBs for uses other than in closed electrical systems." Tunney asked about "the number and seriousness of PCB spills that have occurred within the last 5 years," and Legro noted that "while only five spills had previously been reported to EPA Headquarters since 1972, Information concerning approximately 15 others has been provided In responses to EPA1 s recent letters." HONS 202164 ?ge 26 Jctober 27, 197 5 FOOD CHEMICAL NEWS The Senator also asked about the disposition of PCBs following "final use." Legro reported that " In general. disposal of PCBs is primarily as waste In land fills and.to a lesser extent by incineration." "In addition," the EPA-er noted, "responses to EPA's recant Inquiries Indicate that PCBs are also 'disposed of' by the original users through processors who reclaim PCBs for further use ('reclaimers') and oil companies." The EPA-er reported that the agency examined 106 finished water samples from Interstate carrier systems for chlorinated hydrocarbons during the past 16 months, and found two containing PCBs; 3.0 ug/1 Aroclor 1242 In the finished water of Winnebago, 111., and 0.1 ug/1 Aroclor 1260 In the water of Sellersburg, Ind. "Recent responses to EPA's letters have Indicated possible contamination of several other drinking water supplies, as well," Legro wrote, adding: "Three Identified to date are Escondido, Calif. (0.4 ug/1). New Bedford, Mass. (2.5 ug/1), and Bridge port, Conn. (1 ug/1). Other chemical pollutant papers at AOAC dealt with methods for detecting phthalate ester? and chlorinated dlbenzo-p-dioxlns (CDDs). 1'DA's Brooklyn, N. Y., lab reported advances with a quick screening method for Salmonella detection In foods and feeds, which can run 50 to 60 samples a day using 2/3 less personnel than traditional methods. Improved methods for detecting Clostridium perfrlngens in food and sevep strains of Staphylococcus aureus were reported. FDA Reports Methods for Determining Impurities In Red 40 In work on color additives, FDA reported methods for detecting impurities In FD&C Red No. 40. FDA-ers reported results from a number of foods analysed for 14 volatile N-nltrosamines. Nltrosamlnes were found only In fried bacon and splce-cure mixtures, with negative results reported In all samples of pork products, baby foods, total diet samples, cheese, lard, sausages and Icelandic national dishes. FDA said results from fish and shell fish.analyzed for nltrosamlnes would be reported later. Canadian scientists Identified 11 Impurities In saccharin,' while FDA's laboratory in Brooklyn was able to quantify levels of o-and p-sulfamoylbenzolo add residues In saccharin. New York State officials reported on a rapid screening procedure for determination of unpermltted sulfites, sorbates, benzoates and ascorbates In ground beef. The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, after completion of a collaborative study comparing two methods, recommended AOAC adoption of a modified method for deter mination of cholesterol in muitlcomponent foods. Work was done on deviied ham sand wich spread, vegetable beef stew, frozen chicken pot pie, frozen fish sticks and mayonnaise.