EPA Sets Residue Limits for Zeta-Cypermethrin

The Environmental Protection Agency Nov. 7 published a final rule establishing maximum residue limits, or tolerances, for the pesticide zeta-cypermethrin on various commodities (77 Fed. Reg. 72,975). Zeta-cypermethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide used to control insect pests on crops such as artichoke, avocado, barley, oats, and rye. Although zeta-cypermethrin is classified as a “possible human carcinogen” based on results of mouse carcinogenicity studies, EPA determined there is a “reasonable certainty” that no harm will result to human health from aggregate exposure to residues of cypermethrin-based pesticide products. The agency recently announced it plans to register the use ...