FDA Allows Hydrogen Peroxide in Food as Bleach and Preservative
Published Date: 9/3/2025
Rule
Summary
The FDA is updating the rules to allow hydrogen peroxide to be safely used in food as a cleaner, preservative, and bleaching agent, while removing sulfur dioxide from the list. This change mainly affects food makers like Cargill and others who use these additives. The update helps keep food safe and fresh without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Hydrogen Peroxide Approved; Sulfur Dioxide Removed
If you make food, the FDA now permits hydrogen peroxide to be used in food as an antimicrobial agent, an oxidizing and reducing agent, and as a bleaching agent. The rule also removes sulfur dioxide from the list of permitted secondary direct food additives; the action responds to a petition by Cargill, Inc. and is described as helping keep food safe and fresh without extra costs or delays.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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