In the March 20, 2015, Federal Register, FDA issued a final rule amending the color additive regulations to provide for the expanded safe use of synthetic iron oxide as a color additive for use in soft and hard candy, mints, and chewing gum. The amendments were made in response to a September 17, 2013, petition, which requested that the proposed uses be permitted at levels consistent with current good manufacturing practice. The petition also proposed to lower the specification limit for lead in synthetic iron oxide for human food use from 10 milligrams per kilogram to five milligrams per kilogram. The rule is effective April 21, 2015; objections and requests for hearings are due April 20, 2015.
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