[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 99 (Tuesday, May 23, 1995)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 27244-27245] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 95-12582] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION 16 CFR Part 417 Trade Regulation Rule Concerning the Failure To Disclose the Lethal Effects of Inhaling Quick-Freeze Aerosol Spray Products Used for Frosting Cocktail Glasses AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission. ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (the ``Commission'') proposes to commence a rulemaking proceeding to repeal its Trade Regulation Rule entitled ``Failure to Disclose the Lethal Effects of Inhaling Quick- Freeze Aerosol Spray Products Used for Frosting Cocktail Glasses'' (``Quick-Freeze Spray Rule''), 16 CFR part 417. The proceeding will address whether the Quick-Freeze Spray Rule should be repealed or remain in effect. The Commission is soliciting written comment, data, and arguments concerning this proposal. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before June 22, 1995. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be identified as ``16 CFR Part 417'' and sent to Secretary, Federal Trade Commission, Room 159, Sixth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20580. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lemuel W. Dowdy or George Brent Mickum IV, Attorneys, Federal Trade Commission, Division of Enforcement, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Washington, DC 20580, (202) 326-2981 or (202) 326-3132. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Part A--Background Information This notice is being published pursuant to Section 18 of the Federal Trade Commission (``FTC'') Act, 15 U.S.C. 57a et seq., the provisions of part 1, subpart B of Commission's rules of practice, 16 CFR 1.7, and 5 U.S.C. 551 et seq. This authority permits the Commission to promulgate, modify, and repeal trade regulation rules that define with specificity acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive in or affecting commerce within the meaning of section 5(a)(1) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45. The Quick-Freeze Spray Rule requires a clear and conspicuous warning on aerosol spray products used for frosting beverage glasses. The warning states that the contents should not be inhaled in concentrated form and that doing so may cause injury or death. Glass frosting products contain a compound known as Fluorocarbon 12 (dichlorodifluoromethane), which is also the principal ingredient used in coolants for automobile air conditioners and refrigerators. The Rule was promulgated on February 20, 1969 (34 FR 2417 (1969)). The Statement of Basis and Purpose for the Rule stated that, although the product is not harmful when used as directed, there had been several instances where the intentional misuse of this product by inhaling its vapors resulted in death. Consequently, the Commission concluded that it was in the public interest to caution purchasers who may not otherwise be aware of the lethal effects of inhaling the product. On October 25, 1989, the Commission published a notice in the Federal Register soliciting public comments on the Rule's impact on small entities. (54 FR 43435). No comments were received in response to the notice. The Commission determined, however, that a small amount of quick freeze aerosol products were still available for sale. Therefore, the Commission determined that because the Rule's safety warnings, if followed, could prevent physical harm and loss of life, the Rule should be retained. Part B--Objectives As part of its continuing review of its trade regulation rules to determine their current effectiveness and impact, the Commission recently obtained information bearing on the need for this Rule.\1\ Based on this review, the Commission has determined that glass frosting products are no longer produced and that they are precluded by the Clean Air Act from being reintroduced into the market place.\2\ The objective of this notice is to solicit comment on whether the Commission should initiate a rulemaking proceeding to repeal the Quick- Freeze Spray Rule. \1\ In a memorandum to all federal departments and agencies dated March 4, 1995, the President requested all agencies to review their regulations and to initiate proceedings to eliminate those they determined were obsolete or unnecessary. In 1992, the Commission adopted a plan to review all its rules and guides at least once during a ten-year period. In response to the President's request, the Commission accelerated its scheduled review of certain rules to identify any that might be appropriate candidates for repeal or amendment. For example, under the ten-year plan, the Quick-Freeze Rule was scheduled for review in 1999, ten years after its last review. \2\ 42 U.S.C. 7401, 7671i. Regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency implementing the Clean Air Act ban chlorofluorocarbons in aerosols and foams for non-essential uses. 40 CFR 82.64. The ban, which includes fluorocarbon 12, became effective on January 17, 1994. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Part C--Alternative Actions The Commission is not aware of any feasible alternatives to repealing the Quick-Freeze Spray Rule. Part D--Request for Comments Members of the public are invited to comment on any issues or concerns they believe are relevant or appropriate to the Commission's review of the Quick-Freeze Spray Rule. The Commission requests that factual data upon which the comments are based be submitted with the comments. In this section, the Commission identifies the issues on which it solicits public comment. The identification of issues is designed to [[Page 27245]] assist the public and should not be construed as a limitation on the issues on which public comment may be submitted. Questions (1) Is any manufacturer currently manufacturing quick-freeze spray products? (2) Is any individual or business entity currently marketing quick- freeze spray products? (3) Do any retail stores or suppliers still maintain stocks of quick-freeze spray products for resale? (4) What benefits do consumers derive from the Rule? (5) Does regulation of this product by the Environmental Protection Agency render the Rule unnecessary? (6) Should the Rule be kept in effect or should it be repealed? Authority: Section 18(d)(2)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 57a(d)(2)(B). List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 417 Quick-freeze aerosol spray, Trade practices. By direction of the Commission. Donald S. Clark, Secretary. [FR Doc. 95-12582 Filed 5-22-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6750-01-M