FDA approves additive for use in food wash water

FDA approves Ecolab petition for antimicrobial agent
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended the food additive regulations to provide the safe use of an antimicrobial agent after a petition from Ecolab.

The change, effective from this week, permits the use of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) for use in wash water for fruits and vegetables without the requirement of a potable water rinse with the aim of reducing microorganisms in wash water.

The additive may be used at a level not to exceed 111 milligrams per kilogram of the wash water. 

Use of SDBS is currently approved in washing or to assist in the peeling of fruits and vegetables and comments on the decision can be made until 3 January 2013.

FDA concluded that the “proposed use of the additive is safe and the additive will achieve its intended technical effect as an antimicrobial agent under the proposed conditions of use”.

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