The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a rule that would require manufacturers to list the common or usual names of FDA-certified color additives on animal food labels. The agency is accepting public comment on the proposal until Feb. 22, 2010.

As published in the Nov. 23 issue of the Federal Register, the proposed rule would amend the FDA’s animal food regulations to add a new paragraph detailing how the common names of FDA-certified color additives used in animal foods, including animal feed and pet food, should be declared in the ingredient list. The proposed rule also suggests appropriate terminology for declaring certification-exempt color additives on the animal food labels.

According to the FDA, the proposed rule is in response to the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990. The act amended the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require, among other things, the common or usual names of all FDA-certified color additives to be listed on food labels. Although the 1990 amendments apply both to human and animal foods, the regulations pertaining to animal foods have yet to be issued.

Click here to view the proposed rule in its entirety or submit a comment electronically.

Written submissions can be sent via fax at 301–827–6870 or mailed/hand delivered to Division of Dockets Management (HFA–305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. <HOME>