EPA Issues Final Rule Regarding Silver Residues in Surface-Sanitizing Solutions

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule that amends the exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of silver, excluding silver salts, in or on all foods when used in public eating places or applied on dairy- or food-processing equipment that comes into contact with surface-sanitizing solutions. The regulation requires the silver concentration in the solutions not to exceed 50 parts per million. Objections and requests for hearings about the regulation, which took effect June 10, 2009, must be received by August 10. See Federal Register, June 10, 2009.