THE C H E M I C A L W O R L D THIS WEEK C&EN REPORTS: Delaney Committee Hearings
Delartey Hearings Continue W i t h Conflicting Testimony WASHINGTON.—The use of stilbestrol to fatten poultry, the costs incurred in processing foods containing pesticidal residues, and the possible carcinogenic properties of certified food colors highlighted testimony presented here last week before the House Select Committee on chemicals in foods (Delaney Committee). Intermittent administration of large quantities of diethyl stilbestrol causes no harmful effects, and permanent or serious side effects are seen only when large doses are given continuously for long periods of time, said Don C. Hines, a physician employed by Eli Lilly & Co. He based these statements on his own observations and those of research workers in this field. He emphasized that he has never encountered any evidence that the administration of stilbestrol or any other estrogen has been a factor in the origin of cancer in humans. In the use of diethyl stilbestrol tablets ( 12 to 15 mgs. ) to fatten chickens, Dr. Hines stated that there is no evidence that this treatment makes the flesh dangerous for human consumption. He noted that tests using the dimethyl ether of stilbestrol show a lingering effect of the estrogen; the ether, however, is not used in treating chickens. With respect to persons who might ingest an undissolved stilbestrol tablet from eating the neck of the chicken (where the pellets are generally placed), he said that clinical studies show that no harm would result, and that the amount of stilbestrol used persists in the body for only three to four days. A reinvestigation of all coal tar dyes certified as safe for use in coloring food is William C. Hueper, National Cancer Institute, discusses carcinogenic properties of certain chemicals with newspaper reporter
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considered desirable by William C. Hueper of the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Hueper, who appeared before the committee as a private citizen, based his recommendation on the fact that some of the certified colors have known carcinogenic properties, according to recent research results. For example, he said, Light Green S F produces cancer at the site of injection in rats. In view of the practical difficulties involved in making such an extensive study, Hueper feels that a start could be made on the dyes which are most suspected. The lack of relationship between toxicity and carcinogenicity makes it hard to study dyestuffs and other chemicals in foods, he said. Turning to the question of stilbestrol in poultry, Hueper characterized estrogens as "biological dynamite." He believes that they have carcinogenic possibilities when used over a prolonged period, and is opposed to uncontrolled use by lay persons. A quality control program to make sure that food products, especially baby foods, contain no pesticidal residues which might be harmful or might produce off flavors, costs the Beech-Nut Packing Co. over $111,000 a year, L. G. Cox testified. Dr. Cox, in charge of Beech-Nut's special technical projects, reported that the program which went into effect in 1946 has cost almost $700,000. Prior to 1946 a simple wash was all that was generally needed to remove %excessive pesticide residues such as lead and arsenic. Introduction of the newer pesticides has led to higher quality fruits and vegetables but has added the problem of devising methods of analyzing residues, residue removal, and tolerance standards. Because Beech-Nut feels that insecticidal usage is essential to high-quality frrits and vegetables at reasonable prices, the company is studying various pesticides to determine which are effective in use and yet safe with respect to processing. To date, analytical methods* have been developed for DDT, DDD, parathion, benzene hexachloride (BHC), and methoxychlor; but no good ones are available for chlordan, toxaphene, Aldrin, Dieldrin, and Heptachlor. Elaborate field survey programs and bioassay methods are used to supplement laboratory testing. Dr. Cox believes that controls could be kept at a minimum if a good research program were initiated. He favors testing of pesticides by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and state experimental stations, toxicity testing and fixing of tolerances by the U. S. Public Health Service, and enforcement by the Food and Drug Administration.
FEBRUARY
11,
1952
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