UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

 	     WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460

		

				                                         oFFICE PREVENTION, 

				PESTICIDES AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES       

MEMORANDUM                                                              
    January 31, 2009

SUBJECT:	Summary of Ecotoxicity Data for Garlic Oil (Allium sativum) for
the Registration Review Decision Document.   

EPA Reg No.:               47319-4		

Registration Review 

Case#:		          4007

CAS No.:	           8000-78-0	

PC Code:	           128827	

FROM:	Miachel Rexrode, Ph.D., Senior Biologist          /s/            
01/31/2009

Biochemical Pesticides Branch

Biopesticide & Pollution Prevention Division (7511P)

TO:		Cheryl Greene, Regulatory Action Leader       /s/

Biochemical Pesticides Branch

Biopesticide & Pollution Prevention Division (7511P)

ACTION REQUESTED

The following is a preliminary ecotoxicity assessment for Garlic Oil
(Allium sativum)

in order to support of the Registration Review Work Plan.  

RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

Executive Summary

Based on the available information for Garlic Oil, the Agency does not
foresee the need for additional ecotoxicity data for a new risk
assessment. EPA has waived all hazard and exposure data on this
chemical. The unique characteristics of this product, it’s non-toxic
mode of action, and biodegradability (low to no persistence) should
minimize the risks to all non-targets, including threatened and
endangered species. 

I. Background

Garlic is the fresh or dehydrated bulb or cloves obtained from Allium
sativum. The proposed active ingredient is either a powder or a
distilled extract from garlic cloves and is used as a bird and insect
repellent on various crops that include fruit, nut and citrus trees,
vegetables, vine crops, berries, grains, roses, flowers, and shrubs. The
Agency believes that there is a category of pesticide active ingredients
for which a broadly reduced data set is sometimes warranted. In
considering garlic oil, the Agency considers this compound as eligible
for this broad waiver of the generic data requirements pertaining to
ecotoxicity and fate. The conclusions that have led to this decision
include the following:

1) Garlic is widely distributed and commercially available in the food
industry for flavoring and seasoning. 

2) Garlic is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) under 21 CFR 182.10
(spices and natural seasoning) and 182.20 (essential oils, oleoresins,
and natural extractives).

3) Garlic (powder or distilled extract) is used as a bird and insect
repellent on various crops, orchards, and ornamentals. The active
ingredient has a non-toxic mode of action for target pests.

4) Garlic extract appears to be non-persistent in the environment. 

5) No adverse effects reports have been submitted to the Agency
regarding garlic toxicity to humans or the environment. 

        

II. Ecotoxicity Profile

Avian Toxicity Studies

The unique characteristics of this product, it’s non-toxic mode of
action, and biodegradability (low to no persistence) should minimize the
risks to all avian species. Data Waived.

Fish Toxicity Studies

The unique characteristics of this product are that it has a non-toxic
mode of action, and biodegradability (low to no persistence) should
minimize the risks to all fish species. Data Waived.

Aquatic Invertebrate Toxicity Studies

The unique characteristics of this product are that it has a non-toxic
mode of action, and biodegradability (low to no persistence) should
minimize the risks to all aquatic invertebrate species. Data Waived.

Endangered Species

The unique characteristics of this product are that it has a non-toxic
mode of action, and biodegradability (low to no persistence) should
minimize the risks to all endangered species. No Effect

