,On April 16, 2026, the United States submitted notification G/TBT/N/EU/1203, announcing that it would revise regulations related to colorant additives.
According to the notification, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted a petition submitted by the International Association of Colorant Manufacturers (IACM) regarding colorant additives. The petition proposes that the FDA revise regulations concerning colorant additives to no longer permit the use of three specific solvents (dichloromethane, trichloroethylene, and dichloroethane) in the preparation of certain colorant additives, as such uses of these solvents have been permanently discontinued.
The petition for the colorant additive was submitted on March 20, 2026.
The petition proposes amendments to the following legal provisions:
1. Amend 21 CFR Articles 73.30 (Annona squamosa extract), 73.345 (Capsicum oleoresin) and 73.615 (Ginger butter) to remove dichloromethane, trichloroethylene and dichloroethane as permitted extraction solvents for the production of Annona squamosa extract, capsicum oleoresin and ginger butter (as colorant additives exempt from certification in food).
2. Further amend Article 73.1 of 21 CFR ("Diluents in food colorant mixtures exempt from certification") to remove dichloromethane as a permitted diluent for use in colorant mixtures for marking inks for fruits and vegetables.
Consult
