FDA amends food additive regulations

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to amend the food additive regulations regarding the pre-market notification process for food contact substances (FCSs) established by the Food and Drug Administration Modernisation Act (FDAMA) of 1997.

The notification process is the primary method for authorising new uses of food additives that are FCSs. The FDA is codifying regulations that identify the circumstances under which a food additive petition (FAP) will be required to authorise the use of an FCS; specify the information required in a notification for an FCS; describe the administration of the notification process; and establish the procedure by which the agency may deem a notification to be no longer effective.

The rule is effective from June 20, 2002. Further information can be obtained from Mitchell A. Cheeseman, Centre for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-205), Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740, 202-418-3083.