U.S. EPA seeks more comments on pesticide sulfuryl fluoride

On May 1, EPA published a Federal Register notice requesting comment on several issues raised during the 2011 comment period on the proposed tolerance revocation and stay request for the pesticide sulfuryl fluoride. Interested parties will have an opportunity to provide additional perspective and information on legal arguments raised during the previous comment period. EPA is also asking stakeholders to provide further information on the availability of alternatives and the potential impacts from the withdrawal of the sulfuryl fluoride and fluoride tolerances (legal residue limits on food).

Sulfuryl fluoride is an alternative to the ozone depleting pesticide methyl bromide, and is currently registered for the control of insect pests in stored grains, dried fruits, tree nuts, coffee and cocoa beans, and for use in food handling and processing facilities. This comment period will be open for 90 days, until July 30, 2012.