FDA Reconsiders Allowing Toxic Solvents in Your Food Colors
Published Date: 5/28/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FDA is reopening the comment period on a petition from the Environmental Defense Fund and others to remove three harmful solvents—ethylene dichloride, methylene chloride, and trichloroethylene—from color additive rules. This change affects companies using these solvents in color additives and aims to make products safer. Comments are open until June 29, 2026, giving everyone a chance to share new info before any final decisions.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Manufacturers May Have to Phase Out Solvents
The FDA received a petition to amend color additive regulations (21 CFR 73.1; 73.30; 73.345; 73.615) to remove ethylene dichloride (CAS 107-06-2), methylene chloride (CAS 75-09-2), and trichloroethylene (CAS 79-01-6). FDA is asking for information about practical considerations food manufacturers would face in phasing out these uses if the petition is granted. Comments are being accepted through June 29, 2026.
Potential Consumer Product Safety Gain
The petition seeks removal of three solvents from color additive rules to reduce harmful solvent use in food color additives, which aims to make products safer. FDA reopened the comment period to accept updated data and information through June 29, 2026 so the public can submit evidence about safety and practical impacts.
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