Federal Register #EPAHQOPP20250176

EPA grants tolerance exemption for CTV strain T36 expressing Spinach Defensin Proteins in citrus

This EPA regulatory action establishes a tolerance exemption for a genetically engineered virus used in citrus production: - Government Buyer: - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Office of Pesticide Programs - Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division - OEM and Petitioner: - Silvec Biologics, Inc. - Product/Regulatory Action: - Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) strain T36 expressing Spinach Defensin Proteins SoD2, SoD2-1, and SoD2* - Part Number: 180.1337 - Applies to citrus fruit group 10-10 - No maximum residue level required when used according to label directions and good agricultural practices - Unique/Notable Requirements: - EPA determined no unreasonable risk to human health, including infants and children - Exemption is regulatory, not a procurement of goods or services - Locations: - EPA Headquarters, Washington, DC (contracting office) - Silvec Biologics, Inc. address in Gaithersburg, MD (petitioner) - No products or services are being procured; this is a regulatory exemption action.

Description

This final rule by the Environmental Protection Agency establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) strain T36 expressing Spinach Defensin Proteins SoD2, SoD2-1, and SoD2* on citrus food and feed commodities. The exemption eliminates the need to set a maximum permissible residue level when used according to label directions and good agricultural practices. The genetically engineered CTV strain T36 expresses spinach defensin proteins to help citrus trees resist citrus greening disease, and EPA has determined that these proteins pose no unreasonable risk to human health, including infants and children. Objections and requests for hearings must be submitted by June 8, 2026.

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