Document qmDqwE9gk2GogmYkoE6Qnv9rx

SOI POST OFFICE BUILDING FEDERAL SECURITY AGENCY FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION CINCINNATI 2, OHIO May 26, 1949 TELEPHONE: CHERRY SS20 LINE 300 Dr. Robert A. Kehoe Kettering Laboratory for Applied PPhysiology University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio Dear Sir: The Food and Drug Administration is collecting data looking toward the adoption of legal tolerances for.certain forms of spray residue on apoles and pears and possibly other fruits and some vegetables. This will necessitate calling a public hearing to present and record all relevant evidence. At present it appears feasible to propose tolerances for the compounds of arsenic, lead, and fluorine and for DDT and parathior., on apples and pears. If sufficient data are available it may be desirable to extend these proposals. We would appreciate your comments on the follow ing points: Are sprays containing the above-named poisonous substances used on other fruits or on any vegetables to such extent that tolerances should be provided for such uses? If so, what, in your opinion, are the other fruits and vege tables that should be included? Do you have any information as to the minimum amounts of any of the above-named materials which remain on apples or pears or other fruits or vegetables normally marketed without wash ing? Do you have similar information as to amounts normally removed by washing? Will you probably attend a hearing on this subject? If so, what dates for a hearing in Washington, D. C. , would be most convenient for you? As you may know, the formal tolerance of 0.05 grain per pound for fluorine on apples and pears was invalidated by the courts and has not been reestablished. The informal tolerance for lead and arsenic cn these fruits are 0.05 and 0,025 grain per pound, respectively. tSyiCTORY ;ONDS AND STAMPS The Food and Drug Administration has advised apple and pear growers that DDT residues should be kept below 7 p.p.m. The wide use of DDT complicates the problem, as the possible ways it may enter the diet are on the increase. N9719 xr 000846; Do you believe growers or shippers have experienced any difficulty in keeping residues on fruit below these limits? Parathion has been found to be extremely toxic, and if improperly used there is danger of acute poisoning* While no tolerance, formal or informal, has been announced, the Food and Drug Administration has acquired data indicating that when parathion is used as recommended - that is, not later than one month before' harvest - residual traces that may remain at harvest time are not likely to be enough'to be dangerous. If you have information on any of the ooints discussed in this letter I vdll appreciate it if you will communicate with me on the subject. Very truly yours, K. L. Milstead, Chief Cincinnati District. KE' 0008464