Propylene Oxide; Pesticide Tolerances
Key claim: EPA establishes new maximum residue tolerances for propylene oxide in sesame seed, turmeric, ginger, and dried peppers following a petition by ABERCO, Inc.
Abstract
(Rule · Environmental Protection Agency) This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of propylene oxide (PPO) in or on sesame, seed; turmeric, roots, dried; ginger, dried; pepper, bell, dried; and pepper, nonbell, dried. ABERCO, Inc., a Balchem Company, submitted a petition to EPA requesting that EPA establish a maximum permissible level for residues of this pesticide in or on the identified commodities.
Why this matters
Setting propylene oxide residue tolerances for sesame seed, turmeric, ginger, and dried peppers gives processors a legal pathway to fumigate these spice and seed commodities for microbial contamination, potentially reducing recall risk and supporting import compliance. For farmers and importers, it clarifies allowable treatment practices; for consumers, it formalizes acceptable residue limits on commonly consumed spices without altering pricing dynamics materially.