Dead Bacteria Sludge Now Okay on All Your Food, EPA Says
Published Date: 2/25/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a green light to use inactivated Burkholderia rinojensis strain A396 cells and their leftover fermentation stuff on all foods without worrying about residue limits. Farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies can now use this safely following the rules, starting February 25, 2025. This means less red tape and smoother approvals, with a chance to raise any concerns by April 28, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
No Tolerance Needed on All Food Crops
EPA established an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of inactivated Burkholderia rinojensis strain A396 cells and spent fermentation media in or on all agricultural food commodities when used according to label directions and good agricultural practices. This eliminates the need to set a maximum permissible residue level for these materials on any food commodity, effective February 25, 2025.
No Analytical Method Required for Enforcement
EPA stated that an analytical enforcement method is not required for inactivated Burkholderia rinojensis strain A396 cells and spent fermentation media because the exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established without any numerical limitation. This applies when the material is used according to label directions and good agricultural practices.
EPA Finds No Human Health Risk
EPA concluded there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to the U.S. population, including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to residues of inactivated Burkholderia rinojensis strain A396 cells and spent fermentation media. In a 90-day oral toxicity study, no adverse effects were observed at the maximum dose of 900 mg/kg/day, and EPA determined no additional safety margin was necessary for infants and children.
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