Document MGVV11oVRqR81VN3Lz6QoOpBk

f Memorandum for Che Record of a Telephone Conversation late Tuesday Afternoon, August 19, 1975 between: ' * . Mr. Jeffrey Tannenbaum Wall Street Journal 22 Cortlandt Street New York, NY 10007 212/285-5108 and Dr. Raymond E. Shapiro . . Epidemiology Unit, EFF-108 F>A W&i\u*)hr* fc-t Mr. Tannenbaum had been referred to this office by Mr. John Vessel (ACC). Be had talked with Mr* Vessel about FCBs in foods, the subject having arisen from two articles in the New York Times, August 8, 1975 and August 17, 1975. - The article in the New York Times, by implication, stated that there were 16 FCB's related deaths in Japan from the Yusho tragedy. Mr. Tannenbaum asked if I was aware of this information and whether ve had further details. I told him that to the best of our knowledge we did not have any data and would appreciate receiving anything he might obtain on this matter. , Be then asked whether FCBs would be banned from foods since it is a carcinogen. Kr. Tannenbaum was aware of the FCBs review in Vol. 7 of the 1ARC reports wherein it was pointed out that it produced hepatocarcinoma in the mouse. Be was also aware of the unpublished paper by Kimbrough and Squire showing It produced hepatocarcinomas in rats. 1 pointed out to Mr. Tannenbaum that the "ban" or the Delaney Amendment applied only to food additives. Environmental unavoidable contaminants which might get into foods call for scientific judgement as to permlssable levels; l.e,, Delaney does not apply. The next point raised, by Mr. Tannenbaum,was that wouldn't the recent findings of carcinogenicity with respect to FCBs lead to a tightening of the FCBs temporary tolerances, particularly with respect to FCBs In fish. Implicit, If not explicitly contained in this question is the . following*. The FCBs temporary tolerances were set before anything was known as to their carcinogenicity. One does not question your value judgements made at that time. Now, with the Introduction of a new toxicological parameter; namesly, carcinogenicity - an irreversible effect, should there not be a lowering of these temporary tolerances taking Into account this new data. The main Interest was PSSs in fish. M.u.ur MW.HJ f HONS 204926 Page 2 I I replied CO Mr. Tannenbaum that Che FDA vas studying ail aspects of PCBa toxicity in great depth, particularly in terras of the upcoming paperboard hearings. He vas avare of these hearings and the' Issues involved. With respect to this new data, X told him, our analysis must take into account a balancing of the following factors (1) maintaining proper and adequate protection of public health, (2) insuring the safety, and integrity of the nations food supply, and (3) not removing a major source of food from the market place unless public health considerations deemed it absolutely essential. 1 also pointed out to Mr. Tannenbaum that many of the sources of fish above guideline, mentioned in the EPA reports, did not enter into Interstate comnerce and were outside our legal raandate. However, ve would supply backup materials to those needing it for local decision making I promised to send Mr. Tannenbaum copies of the Federal Register proposal and final order with respect to FCBs, , CCi HFF-100 HFF-108 - 4 Mr. Coker, HFF-314 ' Mr. J. Weasel, HFC-13 . Mr. B. Lake, HFF-302 Dr, H. Blumenthal, HFF-150 Mr. R. Rank, HFF-330 Dr. S. Shibko, HFF-150 IES/lv 8/20/75 Raymond E. Shapiro,>Ph.D. Epidemiology Unit, HFF-108 HONS 204927