Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-22865
FDA partially amends color-additive solvent regulations
Buyer
Department of Health and Human Services / Food and Drug Administration
Posted
November 10, 2026
Respond By
December 11, 2026
Identifier
2026-22865
The FDA issued a regulatory action on color-additive solvent rules; it is not a procurement opportunity. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration (FDA). - Petitioners: Environmental Defense Fund, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Center for Environmental Health, Environmental Working Group, and Lisa Lefferts. - FDA partially granted the petition by removing methylene chloride as an authorized diluent in inks used to mark fruits and vegetables, citing evidence of cancer in laboratory animals. - FDA denied the remaining requests to remove ethylene dichloride, methylene chloride, and trichloroethylene as extraction solvents for annatto extract, paprika oleoresin, and turmeric oleoresin. - No products or services are being solicited; no OEMs, vendors, quantities, or part numbers are identified.
Description
The FDA partially grants a color additive petition by amending its regulations to remove methylene chloride as an authorized diluent in color additive mixtures used in inks to mark fruits and vegetables. The change is based on data showing that methylene chloride induces cancer in laboratory animals. FDA denies the remaining requests to remove ethylene dichloride, methylene chloride, and trichloroethylene as extraction solvents for annatto extract, paprika oleoresin, and turmeric oleoresin. Objections and hearing requests are due December 10, 2026, and the order is effective January 11, 2027.