although they have been found to induce cancer. Petitioners challenge the final order on the ground that it violates the provisions of the Delaney clause, which prohibits the use of any food additive that is found to induce cancer. (FindLaw.com, Line 18) Les vs. Reilly settled on July 08, 1992. The case established the EPA’s legal responsibility to revoke certain carcinogenic pesticides found in raw and processed foods, no mater how small the risk. In result, under the provisions of the court, EPA has proposed to revoke nine “de minimis” pesticides. Lynn Goldman, EPA Assistant Administrator for Prevention, stated “This administration remains committed to comprehensive reform of our pesticide food safety laws, to establish a consistent, health-based standard for all pesticide residues in food. A standard is needed that will protect everyone, especially children…until then, EPA must comply with the Delaney Clause as it stands [after the verdict was rendered].” (Qtd. in Metro News Brief. Interview.) While the resulting actions of this case were based on legal grounds, EPA is continuing to evaluate all 208 pesticides involved as part of its ongoing re-registration program. But what are the EPA’s re-registration standards? The 1996, Food Quality Protection Act, sets an exorbitant new standard. In 1996, both Houses passed The Food Quality Protection Act also known as “The Nation’s New Pesticide Law”, crafted by Congressmen Henry Waxman and Thomas Bliley. The bill was enormously created in part of the “1993 report by the NAS, Pesticides in the Diet of Infants and Children.” (Fenske, Line 20) First, the legislation has significantly proven to protect the public from the most hazardous agricultural chemicals. Second, the legislation has resolved long-standing differences between the pesticide industry and environmental groups. Third, it has forced ...
