2012-21917. GNT USA, Inc.; Filing of Color Additive Petition

AGENCY:

Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION:

Notice of petition.

SUMMARY:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that GNT USA, Inc. (GNT) has filed a petition proposing that the color additive regulations be amended to provide for the safe use of spirulina concentrate, made from the edible blue-green cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis (also known as Spirulina platensis) as a color additive in food.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Raphael A. Davy, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-265), Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740-3835, 240-402-1272.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (section 721(d)(1) (21 U.S.C. 379e(d)(1))), notice is given that a color additive petition (CAP 2C0297) has been filed by GNT, c/o Hogan Lovells US LLP, Columbia Square, 555 Thirteenth St. NW., Washington, DC 20004. The petition proposes to amend the color additive regulations in 21 CFR part 73, Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification to provide for the safe use of spirulina concentrate made from the edible blue-green cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis (also known as Spirulina platensis) as a color additive in food.

The Agency has determined under 21 CFR 25.32(k) that this action is of a type that does not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. Therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required.

Dated: August 31, 2012.

Dennis M. Keefe,

Director, Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.