The Food Safety Commission of Japan has initiated a public consultation on the safety evaluation of the insecticide Prallethrin, following a request from the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare. The consultation, which began on 4 December 2024, will run until 2 January 2025, inviting scientific opinions and information from the public on the proposed safety assessment.
Background on Prallethrin Evaluation
Prallethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid compound, is widely used as an insecticide in livestock environments. The evaluation focuses on its potential health impacts when used in animal husbandry, particularly in cattle, pigs, and poultry. The Food Safety Commission's Animal Drug Expert Committee has reviewed various studies, including pharmacokinetics, residue trials, and toxicity tests, to determine the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of Prallethrin.
Key Findings from Toxicity Studies
Comprehensive toxicity studies have shown that Prallethrin's primary adverse effects include neurological symptoms such as tremors and convulsions, as well as weight gain suppression in test animals. Importantly, no carcinogenic effects were observed in mice and rats, and reproductive capabilities were unaffected in rats and rabbits. The studies identified a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 2.5 mg/kg body weight per day, leading to an ADI of 0.025 mg/kg body weight per day.
Public Participation and Submission Details
The public consultation invites scientific input on the draft evaluation results. Participants are encouraged to provide evidence-based feedback, including references to scientific literature. Submissions can be made via email, fax, or post, with detailed instructions available on the Food Safety Commission's website. The deadline for submissions is 2nd January 2025.
How to Submit Your Feedback
Interested parties can submit their feedback through the designated online form, fax, or postal mail. The Food Safety Commission requests that submissions include the participant's name, occupation, address, and contact information. All feedback will be reviewed, and responses will be published on the Commission's website.
The Food Safety Commission aims to ensure that the evaluation of Prallethrin is thorough and considers all potential health impacts, thereby safeguarding public health and safety.
