Benzene and Friends May Finally Exit U.S. Food Additives
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 four harmful solvents—benzene, ethylene dichloride, methylene chloride, and trichloroethylene—from food additive rules. This change affects food makers who use these solvents and aims to make our food safer. Comments are open until June 29, 2026, giving everyone a chance to share new info before any costly changes happen.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Petition to Remove Four Solvents
If you make food products, the FDA is considering a petition to remove four solvents—benzene, ethylene dichloride, methylene chloride, and trichloroethylene—from food additive regulations. FDA is asking for information and comments (deadline June 29, 2026) and is seeking input on practical issues food manufacturers would face if these uses are phased out.
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Key Dates
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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.
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