2017-07770. Canadian Oilseed Processor Association; Filing of Food Additive Petition (Animal Use)

AGENCY:

Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION:

Notice of petition.

SUMMARY:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is announcing that the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association has filed a petition proposing that the food additive regulations be amended to provide for the safe use of spent bleaching clay as a flow agent in canola meal for all livestock and poultry species. Additionally, the petition proposes that the existing regulations be amended to provide for the safe use of silicon dioxide and diatomaceous earth for use as components of spent beaching clay.

DATES:

The food additive petition was filed on December 20, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Chelsea Trull, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration, 7519 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD 20855, 240-402-6729, [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (section 409(b)(5) (21 U.S.C. 348(b)(5)), notice is given that a food additive petition (FAP 2299) has been filed by the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association, 404-167 Lombard Ave., Winnipeg MB R3B 0T6, Canada. The petition proposes to amend Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in part 573 Food Additives Permitted in Feed and Drinking Water of Animals (21 CFR part 573) to provide for the safe use of spent bleaching clay as a flow agent in canola meal for all livestock and poultry species. Additionally, the submission proposes that the existing regulations be amended to provide for the safe use of silicon dioxide (21 CFR 573.940) and diatomaceous earth (21 CFR 573.340) for use as components of spent beaching clay.

The petitioner has claimed that this action is categorically excluded under 21 CFR 25.32(r) because it is of a type that does not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. In addition, the petitioner has stated that, to their knowledge, no extraordinary circumstances exist. If FDA determines a categorical exclusion applies, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required. If FDA determines a categorical exclusion does not apply, we will request an environmental assessment and make it available for public inspection.

Dated: April 12, 2017.

Anna K. Abram,

Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Planning, Legislation, and Analysis.