Document pmX2garjkkKznj1Z40GDNwQEj

FILE NAME: RT Vanderbilt (RTV) DATE: 1973 Aug 27 DOC#: RTV176 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Telegram to FDA Telegram 70: Dr. Alexander. M.' Schmidt Commissioner Food and Drug Administration 5600 iishers Lane Rockville, Maryland 20852 Johns-hanville Products Corporation understands that FDA will . shortly publish in the Federal Register final regulations which would prohibit the use of talc containing asbestos in food and food packaging materials unies the talc is 99.9% free of amphibole asbsto; fibers and 99.9954 free of chrysotile asbestos fibers. Such action would caus irreparable and irreversible harm t o Johns-Manville and other, companies in the talc industry and is cledrly against the weight of evidence presented to FDA. Th publicatio of such regulations would likely result in the cessation of all johnsManville talc production and sales within a very short period of time, if not immediately. We believe the dcision by FDA is being based on substantial pressure from certain environmental groups and is not based on facts relative to any immanent danger, we would hope that FDA would not embark on another cyclamate fiasco which would destroy the D.Si talc industry- Johns-Manville,requests that FDA carefully reconsider any decision made or to be made on this matter in light of the above. Additionally, Johns-Manville requests that a copy of the final regulations being considered by FDA be forwarded to us immediately fox review, we would be glad to meet with you at any time to review CRMC-HT-TALC-000095 the final regulations "being considered, as to its justification and effects on U.S. industry. Johns-Manville has previously advised PDA that it was willing to conduct any further medical or scientific tests which FDA would deem necessary to arrive at a sound decision in this matter. of . We have urged the adoption/interira regulations in accordance with Section 121.4000 of the Federal Food, and cosmetic Act, to give industry sufficient time to conduct further studies,approved b y FDA before any final, regulations are published and to avoid the 'disastrous consequences resulting- from the mere-publication of -"such at this time. Your immediate response" to this telegram is requested. ' Perry Martinson ^Vice-President 'v-i.,.. ,' johns-Manvllle products Corporation Greenwood plaza Denver, Colorado 80217 303 770 1000 I CRMC-HT-TALC-000096