FDA Finally Ditches Unused Toxic Solvents in Food Color Rules
Published Date: 4/1/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The International Association of Color Manufacturers asked the FDA to update rules by removing three solvents—methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, and ethylene dichloride—from color additive use because no one uses them anymore. This change affects companies making color additives and helps keep regulations current and safe. Comments on this proposal are open until June 1, 2026, giving everyone a chance to weigh in before any money or rule changes happen.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remove three solvents from food color rules
The FDA filed a petition on March 20, 2026 asking to amend color additive regulations to remove methylene chloride (CAS 75-09-2), trichloroethylene (CAS 79-01-6), and ethylene dichloride (CAS 107-06-2) as permitted extraction solvents for annatto extract, paprika oleoresin, and turmeric oleoresin used as exempt color additives in food. The petition says these uses have been permanently abandoned and requests public comments by June 1, 2026.
Removal also affects drugs and cosmetics
If FDA amends 21 CFR 73.30 to remove those solvents for annatto extract, that change would also remove the solvents as permitted extraction solvents for annatto used in coloring drugs (21 CFR 73.1030) and annatto used in coloring cosmetics (21 CFR 73.2030) because those sections cross-reference 73.30. The petition asks for comment on whether these solvent uses have indeed been abandoned; comments are due June 1, 2026.
Remove methylene chloride from marking-ink rules
The petition requests amending 21 CFR 73.1 to remove methylene chloride as a permitted diluent in color additive mixtures in inks for marking fruits and vegetables. The petitioner reports discussions with trade groups (IFPA, NAPIM) and survey responses indicating that methylene chloride is not used for those inks and asks for comments by June 1, 2026.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09767 — Oscar Bobo: Final Debarment Order
Oscar Bobo is officially banned for 5 years from importing any drugs into the U.S. because he repeatedly brought in mislabeled medicines that don’t follow FDA rules. He didn’t respond to the FDA’s warning, so the ban started on May 15, 2026. If he wants to end the ban early, he can apply anytime, but must follow special rules to keep his info private.
2026-09533 — Biomarker Incubator: Urinary Kidney Safety Biomarkers; Request for Information
The FDA wants your help to improve tests that spot kidney damage caused by medicines. They’re asking researchers, doctors, and companies to share data by July 13, 2026, so they can make these kidney safety markers better and faster. This could lead to safer drugs and smarter health checks, benefiting patients and the medical community alike.
2026-09508 — Azodicarbonamide (ADA); Request for Information
The FDA is asking for info about azodicarbonamide (ADA), a chemical used in some foods and food packaging, to check if it’s still safe. Food makers, scientists, and anyone with data should share what they know by July 13, 2026. This review could lead to changes in how ADA is used, affecting food companies and possibly costs down the line.
2026-09543 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Postmarketing Adverse Experience Reporting
The FDA wants your thoughts on how drug companies report problems after their products hit the market. This update affects drug makers and helps keep medicine safe by improving how side effects are tracked. You’ve got until July 13, 2026, to share your comments—no cost to join, just your voice!
2026-09544 — Modified Risk Tobacco Product Application: Renewal Applications for VLN® King and VLN® Menthol King, Cigarette Products Submitted by 22nd Century Group Inc.
The FDA is inviting the public to comment on the renewal of special approval for two cigarette products by 22nd Century Group Inc. These products claim to lower health risks compared to regular cigarettes. If renewed, the company can keep marketing them this way, with the comment period starting May 13, 2026.
2026-09507 — Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT); Request for Information
The FDA wants to know more about how butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a chemical used in food and food packaging, is being used and if it’s still safe. They’re asking companies, scientists, and the public to share any info by July 13, 2026. This could lead to changes in rules that affect food makers and might impact what’s allowed in your snacks and packaging.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06271 — Whistleblower Incentives and Protections
FinCEN is rolling out a new whistleblower program to reward and protect people who report shady financial activities like money laundering and terrorist financing. This program affects anyone with insider info on violations of key laws and aims to keep our financial system safe. Comments on the proposed rules are open until June 1, 2026, and whistleblowers could earn cash rewards for their tips!
Next: 2026-06305 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Jewett, TX
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around Jewett, TX to help pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. This change mainly affects pilots and air traffic controllers and aims to improve flight rules without extra costs. You have until May 18, 2026, to share your thoughts before the rule is finalized.