FDA Removes Long-Abandoned Solvents From the Rules for Food Colors
Published Date: 11/10/2026
Rule
Summary
The FDA is updating rules to remove three solvents—methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, and ethylene dichloride—from approved uses in certain natural color extracts like annatto, paprika, and turmeric because these uses have been permanently stopped. This change affects color manufacturers and takes effect January 11, 2027. If anyone disagrees, they have until December 10, 2026, to speak up. No new costs are expected since these solvents aren’t used anymore.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Three solvents removed from food color rules
FDA is removing methylene chloride (CAS 75-09-2), trichloroethylene (CAS 79-01-6), and ethylene dichloride (CAS 107-06-2) as authorized extraction solvents for annatto extract (21 CFR 73.30), paprika oleoresin (21 CFR 73.345), and turmeric oleoresin (21 CFR 73.615). The amendment is effective January 11, 2027, and FDA states these uses have been permanently abandoned and that no new costs are expected because the solvents are not currently used.
Methylene chloride removed for fruit/vegetable marking inks
FDA states that the petition request to remove methylene chloride as a diluent in color additive mixtures for inks used to mark fruit and vegetables (21 CFR 73.1) is moot because that authorization has already been removed by a separate final order (on the basis of the Delaney Clause).
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Previous: 2026-22865, Color Additive Petition From Environmental Defense Fund et al.; Request To Amend the Color Additive Regulations To Remove the Solvents Ethylene Dichloride, Methylene Chloride, and Trichloroethylene
The FDA is making a smart move by banning methylene chloride in inks used to mark fruits and veggies because it can cause cancer in lab animals. However, they’re keeping the other solvents—ethylene dichloride and trichloroethylene—in some color additives since tiny leftover amounts aren’t covered by the cancer rule. This change kicks in January 11, 2027, and anyone who disagrees has until December 10, 2026, to speak up.
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