August 2000

I. Background and Overview of the TRAC Process

The Food Quality Protection Action (FQPA) of 1996 amended the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to improve the registration of pesticides. FQPA mandates a single health-based standard for pesticides in all food; provides special protection for infants and children; expedites approval of safer pesticides; provides minor crop protection; and requires periodic reevaluation of pesticide registrations and tolerances.

In April 1998, the Vice President directed EPA and USDA to work together to ensure that implementation of FQPA followed four guiding principles: apply sound science; provide reasonable transition for agriculture; develop transparent regulatory process; and consult with diverse stakeholders. The Tolerance Reassessment Advisory Committee (TRAC) was established under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to carry out the Vice President's directive. Co-Chaired by EPA's Deputy Administrator and USDA's Deputy Secretary, a large group (52 members) was formed consisting of senior-level representatives of a wide variety of stakeholders: environmental/public interest groups, farm worker representatives, pesticide industry and trade associations, farmer and grower organizations, food processors and distributors, State and Federal agencies, pediatricians and public health groups. Moreover, international observers from Canada and Mexico serve on the Committee, and a high number of congressional staff are included as meeting participants. The EPA Administrator considers this Committee to be an essential part of EPA's implementation of FQPA.