Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)

Kraig Westerbeek

2013 Smithfield Environmental Conference

Started in 1910 as the Insecticide Act

40 CFR 150-189 Registration of all

pesticides prior to use. Remove dangerous and

unsafe pesticides from use. Control risk to human

health and environment vs. efficacy

FIFRA Purpose

FIFRA Requirements

Cannot sell, distribute, or use a pesticide unless it is registered by EPA. EPA approval of the pesticide's label Label gives detailed instructions for its safe use.

EPA must classify each pesticide "General use" pesticides may be applied by anyone “Restricted use" pesticides may only be applied by

certified applicators Applicators are usually certified by a state

Is Your Chemical Registered?

Check the MSDS for the EPA Registration # Look on the label for it Go to Purdue University’s National Pesticide

Information Retrieval System (NPIRS) Portal to EPA's pesticide database. Can search for pesticides by product name,

company name, or EPA Reg. No.

Pesticide Registration

Over 20,000 registered pesticides today….. Fungicides, Insecticides, Herbicides,

Rodenticides, Antimicrobials, Defoliants, Defoliants, Desiccants, Plant Regulators

Any substance intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest.

FIFRA Related Regulations

Worker Protection Standard (WPS) –40 CFR 170 relates to agriculture and protecting workers

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) – pesticide thresholds in food & feed

Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) – tougher standards for pesticides used with food or feed

Chemical Labels

EPA approved chemical container labels. Ensures you can follow the label guidance for using

the chemical.

Labels must be simple to understand.

Ensures the end users can meet their LEGAL OBLIGATION to follow the label directions.

“Apply as Directed”

Extensive Labeling Requirements

Smithfield Requirements

Environmental Affairs Guidelines Protocol for Handling of Waste Material

VII. Pesticide Disposal

General Requirements Use a certified contracted service for

application Applicator training documentation available

Application by company employees prohibited Application coordinated through Food Safety

and approved by USDA

Smithfield Requirements

General Requirements Do Not apply in areas that would risk food or

water contamination Use mechanical, non-baited rodent control

traps in the plant No on-site storage of pesticides is allowed No on-site pesticide disposal is allowed Food Safety Manager maintains:

Labels, MSDS’s, and the service log book

BE SAFE ! (Off the Shelf Products)

“Right to Know” Applies Use Proper PPE!

Eye protection Wash thoroughly after use

May contain: Mutagens, teratogens, carcinogens,

endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, etc… Read and understand the labels!!!!

Pesticide Disposal

Regulated by RCRA FIFRA ends when

disposal is required May be a hazardous

waste Should be isolated and

secured until disposal

References

http://www.sfienvironmental.com/

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/laws.htm

State Environmental Offices

Poison Control Centers: 1-800-222-1222