The Federal Register notice extending the comment period on FDA’s preliminary determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, are not “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for use in food is on display and will publish on December 31, 2013. FDA issued a Constituent Update on December 17, 2013 notifying the public that it had made the decision to extend the comment period and that publication of a Federal Register notice was being expedited.
The comment period is being extended by 60 days, to March 8, 2014. This extension is being provided in response to numerous stakeholder requests to provide additional time for comments.
FDA published a notice in the Federal Register announcing its preliminary determination on November 8, 2013. FDA provided 60 days, until January 7, 2014, for interested persons to provide comments and scientific data pertaining to the notice, including specific issues that FDA sought comments on such as possible alternative approaches, time needed for reformulation, burden on small businesses, and other technical challenges to removal of PHOs from the food supply.
Submit comments electronically to the FDA docket on http://www.regulations.gov, use docket number FDA-2013-N-1317.
To submit comments by mail, send to FDA at:
Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061
Rockville, MD 20852
All submissions must include the agency name and docket number.
Source: FDA