FAO/PL:1968/M/9/1

    WHO/FOOD ADD./69.35

    1968 EVALUATIONS OF SOME PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN FOOD

    THE MONOGRAPHS

    Issued jointly by FAO and WHO

    The content of this document is the result of the deliberations of the
    Joint Meeting of the FAO Working Party of Experts and the WHO Expert
    Committee on Pesticide Residues, which met in Geneva, 9-16 December,
    1968.

    FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

    WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

    Geneva, 1969

    BROMIDE ION

    Residues of bromide ion resulting from the use of ethylene dibromide
    and methyl bromide have been previously evaluated (FAO/WHO, 1967,
    1968).

    RESIDUES IN FOOD AND THEIR EVALUATION

    Background

    The meeting reconsidered previous recommendations for tolerances of
    bromide ion resulting from the use of ethylene dibromide and methyl
    bromide in the light of the fact that such residues cannot be
    positively attributed to either of these two compounds by available
    analytical techniques.

    The Third Session of the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues:

    Requested the Joint Meeting to consider establishing a tolerance for
    bromide ion in cereal products resulting from the use of methyl
    bromide or ethylene dibromide on cereals or cereal products. It was
    pointed out that these fumigants are sometimes used on cereal products
    as well as on whole grain.

    Drew attention to the possibility that bromide residues might occur in
    some crops resulting from the use of soil fumigants (not restricted to
    methyl bromide or ethylene dibromide).

    Forwarded to the Joint Meeting a request from the Codex Committee on
    Cocoa Products and Chocolate for consideration to be given to the
    establishment of tolerances for residues in cocoa beans and derived
    products resulting from the post-harvest use of methyl bromide.

    RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TOLERANCES AND PRACTICAL RESIDUE LIMITS

    Appraisal

    Bearing in mind that residues of bromide ion cannot be positively
    attributed to either ethylene dibromide or methyl bromide, the meeting
    recommends that the tolerances previously suggested be considered to
    apply to residues of bromide ion from all sources. Further, since
    applications of these fumigants at rates that are sufficiently
    effective to control insect and mite infestations in meal and flour
    may lead to residues of about 50 ppm of bromide ion, a figure of 50
    ppm may be accepted as a tolerance for whole meal and flour, as well
    as for raw grain.

    As no new data on the residues on crops resulting from the use of soil
    fumigants were available and as some work on the subject was known to
    be in progress or was completed, it was decided to defer consideration
    of this subject to a later meeting. At that meeting, the possible

    occurrence of bromide ion in crops resulting from the use of
    brominated compounds, other than ethylene dibromide or methyl bromide,
    should be taken into account.

    In the absence of new data relating to cocoa beans and cocoa products
    for evaluation at this meeting, it was not possible to make
    recommendations on this referral from the Codex Committee.

    Recommendations

    In addition to the previously recommended tolerance* and temporary
    tolerances to be in effect until 1970:

         Dried eggs, spices, herbs  400
         Raw cereals                50*
         Dried figs                 250
         Avocados                   75
         Dried raisins, dried dates 100
         Dried peaches              50
         Dried prunes               20
         Other dried fruit          30
         Citrus fruit, strawberries 30
         Other fresh fruit          20

    The meeting also recommends the following temporary tolerance to be in
    effect until 1970:

         Whole meal and flour       50

    All tolerances are to apply to raw agricultural products moving in
    commerce unless otherwise indicated. In the case of fruit and
    vegetables the tolerances should be applied as soon as practicable
    after harvest and in my event prior to actual retail to the public. In
    the case of commodities entering international trade, the tolerances
    should be applied by the importing country at the point of entry or as
    soon as practicable thereafter.

    Further work or information

    Required before 30 June 1970

    Further data on the types of cereal products to be considered and on
    the dosage rate, frequency and other conditions of treatment.

    REFERENCES

    FAO/WHO. (1967) Evaluation of some pesticide residues in food. (FAO,
    PL:CP/15; WHO/Food Add./67/32)

    FAO/WHO. (1968) Evaluation of some pesticide residues in food;
    Monographs (FAO, PL:1967/M/11/1;WHO Food Add./68.30)
    

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Bromide Ion (FAO/PL:1969/M/17/1)
       Bromide ion (Pesticide residues in food: 1981 evaluations)
       Bromide Ion (Pesticide residues in food: 1983 evaluations)
       Bromide ion (Pesticide residues in food: 1988 evaluations Part II Toxicology)