1. IPPC first consultation 1 July to 30 September 2018
Requirements for the use of modified atmosphere treatments as a phytosanitary measure ( )
IPPC first consultation
1 July to 30 September 2018
IPPC Secretariat
2018 IPPC Regional Workshop

2. Background TPPT 2017 2018 SC May 2018 IPPC Secretariat (2013)
Call for topics in 2013: proposals for the development of requirements for phytosanitary treatments
CPM-9 (2014)
Added the topic in April 2014 (Priority1)
SC May 2015
approved Specification 62 (Requirements for the use of modified atmosphere treatments as phytosanitary measures)
TPPT
2017
First draft
2018
Draft revision
SC May 2018
Approval of the draft ISPM for first consultation
SC: Standards Committee
TPPT: Technical Panel on Phytosanitary Treatments (who is the drafting body of this ISPM)

3. General Considerations
Reason for the ISPM:
Modified atmosphere treatment is used for other purposes than as phytosanitary measure
Modified atmosphere treatment could be a good alternative phytosanitary treatment
Then technical guidance including specific guidance on the application and verification is essential for the proper application of the treatment.
It had been challenging to find information on this treatment type because modified atmosphere treatments are not being currently used as phytosanitary treatments for fresh commodities. They are currently used in stored commodities to increase the shelf life of short life food products, but could also be used as phytosanitary measures, especially with increasing demands for freedom from chemical residues in fresh commodities.

4. Modified Atmosphere Treatments
Altering ambient atmospheric gas concentrations
Without the introduction of a toxic agent
Increase in the carbon dioxide content
Reduction in the oxygen content
To create an atmosphere lethal to target pests.
Wikipedia: Modified atmosphere is the practice of modifying the composition of the internal atmosphere of a package (commonly food packages, drugs, etc.) in order to improve the shelf life, by reducing the available oxygen for spoiling microorganisms, respiration or lipid oxidation.
As a phytosanitary measure, lowering the oxygen available for respiration of potentially contaminating pests could be a good alternative to fumigation or other treatments for sensitive commodities.

5. Methods for modifying atmospheres
Treatment atmospheres modified by:
changing the proportion of O2 and CO2 by adding CO2 or an inert gas such as nitrogen (N2)
converting O2 to CO2 by combustion of a hydrocarbon
hermetic or semi-hermetic storage in which the respiration of the commodity and organisms infesting it deplete the level of O2 and increase the level of CO2
partial vacuum, which lowers concentrations of all atmospheric gases proportionally
Wikipedia: The modification process generally lowers the amount of oxygen (O2) in the headspace of the package. Oxygen can be replaced with nitrogen (N2), a comparatively inert gas, or carbon dioxide (CO2).

6. Treatment unit for Modified atmosphere: (air in the inclosure is replaced by low-oxygen air)
Schematic example of setup for modified atmosphere treatments.
The machine room (in red) contains a low-oxygen converter, which reduces the oxygen content in the air to below 1.5%. This low-oxygen air is introduced into the treatment unit (blue), where it displaces the normal oxygen air.
© Peterson Pest Control

7. Inside of a Modified atmosphere treatment enclosure:
© Peterson Pest Control

8. General Considerations
Provide requirements for modified atmosphere treatments
Purpose of the draft ISPM
Provide guidance on main operational requirements, including verification, for modified atmosphere treatments
Ensure that treatments are applied effectively
The five draft ISPMs on “treatments requirements” under the work programme:
Revision ISPM 18 ( ) - irradiation
Requirements for the use of temperature (ISPM 42)
Requirements for the use of fumigation ( )  second consultation!
Requirements for the use of modified atmosphere ( )
Requirements for the use of chemical treatments ( )

9. Major drafting issues
To explain in an understandable way what a modified atmosphere treatment is and how it may be applied.
“Treatment entities” include “treatment providers” (individuals, organizations or companies) and treatment facilities (e.g. enclosures).
Appendix on guidelines for efficacy research was deleted and will be included in the procedure manual for Standard setting.
See previous slides for explanation on modified atmosphere and treatment methods.
Appendix 1 is not required for treatment but provides guidelines for research on the efficacy of phytosanitary treatments

10. Major drafting issues
Consistency issues with other draft ISPMs on treatment requirements: This is the third (out of 5) treatment requirement standards to go to consultation.
Relevant consultation comments from “Temperature Treatments Requirements (ISPM 42)” and “Fumigation Treatment Requirements ( )” have already been incorporated.
The five draft ISPMs on “treatments requirements” under the work programme:
Revision ISPM 18 ( ) - irradiation
Requirements for the use of temperature (ISPM 42)
Requirements for the use of fumigation ( )  second consultation!
Requirements for the use of modified atmosphere ( )
Requirements for the use of chemical treatments ( )

11. Contacts IPPC Secretariat
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, Italy
Tel.:
Websites: