Document v6gJvQJp5aZaywZ0k5Gro85R6

Page 4 May 25, 1981 FOOD CHEMICAL NEWS Ronk noted that FDA was already aware of the intended use of alternative plasticizers by Borden, Anand wrote, saying that FDA was informed that Goodyear and Borden account for more than 75% of the market for food contact PVC film. Asked what the Bureau's response to the use of substitute plasticizers might be, the memo pointed out that Ronk has suggested that the Bureau would have to review the industry's proposal "before we could respond realistically. " A Goodyear representative asked what the Bureau's policy would be concerning inven tories of DOA and DOP at the time of publication of the agency's proposal to ban the regulated additives. Ronk explained that all proposed agency actions provide for a 60-day comment period, and this should provide sufficient time for depletion of inventories, the memo stated. SCHWEIKER SAYS HE IS OPPOSED TO BAN ON SACCHARIN Health and Human Services Secretary Richard Schweiker said last week that he is opposed to a ban on saccharin "until we find a new kind of sweetener substitute. " Responding to questions on UPI's Round Table, a weekly radio interview program, the HHS Secretary on May 18 suggested that the risk from cancer is so slight that the sweetener should remain on the market. He also pointed out that Congress , in enacting the moratorium on the Food and Drug Administration's proposed ban of the artificial sweetener, expressed its desire to ensure that a low-calorie sweetener remain available to the public. Schweiker said he would favor a change in the law that would allow a risk-benefit assessment in making decisions on compounds that carry the risk of cancer at levels of 1 p.p.b. or 1 p.p.t. In the case of saccharin, he said, "I frankly would feel that saccharin is worth it. " Until a new substitute is found, the Secretary suggested that the benefits from the artificial sweetener "outweigh the risks. " He said there may be a substitute available in a year or two. Asked whether FDA will ban saccharin if Congress does not enact legislation in time to extend the moratorium past the June 30 deadline, Schweiker said he would like to give Congress an opportunity to legislate "because we know they have strong feelings about it, " and he added, "In view of what happened before . .. we're going to be very flexible. " He said he would get a recommendation from FDA Commissioner Arthur Hull Hayes, Jr. , about what should be done, but told the interviewer, "I would lean obviously toward not banning saccharin ..." SPI-H984