C3o—Uncasttr Fanning, Saturday, March 1,1980 Agencies request food, feed be checked for PCB problems WASHINGTON, D.C. - Three federal agencies Tuesday asked food manufacturers and related industries to take voluntary steps to help prevent ac cidental contamination of food with thechemical PCB. The agencies requested that food, animal feed, fertilizer and pesticide companies check their plants immediately for electrical equipment con taining PCBs and remove the equipment when special EPA-approved incinerators are available to dispose of the chemical. The agencies are asking the companies to take these initial actions voluntarily to protect the public until regulations, now under consideration, can be issued that may require replacement of PCB containing equipment. PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are a class of chemicals often used as insulating fluids in electrical equipment. Studies on laboratory animals have shown that PCBs can cause tumors, reproductive failure, stomach and skin disorders and other health problems. The agencies that made today’s request are: the Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates PCB production and use under the Toxic Substances Control Act; the Food Safety and Quality Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which regulates meat, poultry, and egg products; and the Food and Drug Administration, which regulates all other food. The agencies’ request was the result of a recent in cident m the northwestern U.S. in which PCBs from a transformer stored at a Montana meat packing plant accidentally contaminated animal feed ingredients being made there. As a result, PCBs entered the food supply and con taminated animal feed as well as chickens, turkeys and hogs, which ate feed, and food products made from these animals. No injuries were reported from people who consumed contaminated products, but large amounts of food had to be destroyed. “Because of this incident, we are extremely concerned over the continued use of equipment containing PCBs in such establishments,” EPA Administrator Douglas M. Costle said. “We want to do all that we can to prevent accidents like this from recurring.” Jere E. Goyan, Com missioner of Food and Drugs, said; “Because of their use over many years, PCBs have become a widespread contaminant in our environment. We cannot continue to take unnecessary risks with this dangerous chemical. PCB’s have no place in food production or related facilities. “We are confidant that the companies will take necessary steps to remove equipment containing PCBs as quickly as possible,” Goyan said. Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Carol Tucker Foreman said, “The most effective way to control the hazards of contaminated food is to remove, as much as possible, the source of the contamination. Here is a clear opportunity to help stop future incidents of PCB contamination before they start.” FDA in 1973 restricted the use of PCBs in processing facihties for food, animal feed and food packaging materials to totally enclosed electrical equipment. Similarly, EPA banned production and some uses of PCBs in 1979 but the ban did not apply to the use of the chemical in totally enclosed electrical equipment already manufactured at the time. Because PCBs are so dangerous, they'must be disposed of under tightly controlled conditions. Suitable incinerators are now under evaluation by EPA for possible approval late this spring. The request to the com panies and list of contacts for information on the availability of incinerators is in the form of a booklets, “Polychlorinated Bipheny ls: An Alert for Food and Feed Facilities.” Copies are available from the EPA Industry Assistance Office at (toll free) 800/424-9065 or, in Washington, D.C. at 202/554-1404, or by writing to John B. Hitch Jr., Director, Office of Industry Assistance, Office of Toxic Substances, Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. 20460. Copies are also available by writing to: Nathaniel Geary, Director, In tergovernmental and In dustry Affairs Staff, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland 20857, (Phone: 301/443-1583). Copies also may be ob tained from Maxine Grant, USDA-FSQS Information, Room 36125, Washington, D.C. 20250,202/447-5223. The greatest concentra tion of hydro-electnc power m the world is located at Niagara Falls. The Cana dian and United States power plants have a combin ed installed capacity of more than 4,000,000 (million) kilowatts. This is enough electricity to keep 40 million 100-watt light bulbs burning around the clock when the plants are producing at full capacity. Visitors’ facilities are pro vided at the Power Vista of the New York State Power Authority near Lewistown, downriver from the Falls. Tourists are able to obtain a clear picture of how Niagara River water helps power in dustrial plants and homes in the northeastern United States and southern part of Canada. ~ i n f BARN PAINTING : ' Call Us Now C For Free Estimates s PHARESS. HURST RD 1, Cox 420 Narvon, Pa 17555 215-445-6186 * - f .v / «* La§t fanner (Continued from Page C 29) “I had letters from DER and all the proof I needed. But to make the injunction good, the judge said I’d have to put up a $500,000 bond. And the case could have dragged out in court for years. “I figured what’s the use’ What if we go to court and I lose? I’m not sure where I go from here, but I know I’ll keep on fighting,” Markley says. OVER 50 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE WALTER C. MELLINGER & SON Richard D. Meliinger, Prop. WILL ACQUIRE MARCH 1,1980 Due to ill health, Marvin Sweigart felt the above action was necessary. Mr. Sweigart will be working with Mr. Mellinger, so we hope business can continue as usual for all concerned. If there would be any questions regarding your business arrangements with Sweigart's Poultry, please feel free to call either, Marvin Sweigart (215-267-7296) or Mr. Mellinger, (717-656-2217). Hope we can serve you in the near 'future. SWEIGART’S POULTRY, INC. R.D.#l STEVENS, PA. 17578 Sincerely, RICHARD D. MELLINGER
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