[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 44 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 10285]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-5454]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. 97G-0063]


Cerestar Holding Co. B.V., Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., and Nikken 
Chemicals Co., Ltd.; Filing of Petition for Affirmation of GRAS Status

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that 
Cerestar Holding Co. B.V., Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., and Nikken 
Chemicals Co., Ltd., have filed a petition (GRASP 7G0422) proposing to 
affirm that the use of erythritol is generally recognized as safe 
(GRAS) as an ingredient in human food.

DATES: Written comments by May 20, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to the Dockets Management Branch 
(HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 12420 Parklawn Dr., rm. 1-23, 
Rockville, MD 20857.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosalie M. Angeles, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-205), Food and Drug Administration, 
200 C St. SW., Washington, DC 20204, 202-418-3107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 
Act (secs. 201(s) and 409(b)(5) (21 U.S.C. 321(s) and 348(b)(5)) and 
the regulations for affirmation of GRAS status in Sec. 170.35 (21 CFR 
170.35), notice is given that Cerestar Holding Co. B.V., Mitsubishi 
Chemical Corp., and Nikken Chemicals Co., Ltd., c/o Hyman, Phelps & 
McNamara, 700 13th St. NW., suite 1200, Washington, DC 20005, have 
filed a petition (GRASP 7G0422) proposing that erythritol be affirmed 
as GRAS for use as an ingredient in human food.
    The petition has been placed on display at the Dockets Management 
Branch (address above).
    Any petition that meets the requirements outlined in Secs. 170.30 
(21 CFR 170.30) and 170.35 is filed by the agency. There is no 
prefiling review of the adequacy of data to support a GRAS conclusion. 
Thus, the filing of a petition for GRAS affirmation should not be 
interpreted as a preliminary indication of suitability for GRAS 
affirmation.
    The potential environmental impact of this action is being 
reviewed. If the agency finds that an environmental impact statement is 
not required and this petition results in a regulation, the notice of 
availability of the agency's finding of no significant impact and the 
evidence supporting that finding will be published with the regulation 
in the Federal Register in accordance with 21 CFR 25.40(c).
    Interested persons may, on or before May 20, 1997, review the 
petition and file comments with the Dockets Management Branch (address 
above). Two copies of any comments should be filed and should be 
identified with the docket number found in brackets in the heading of 
this document. Comments should include any available information that 
would be helpful in determining whether the substance is, or is not, 
GRAS for the proposed use. In addition, consistent with the regulations 
promulgated under the National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR 
1501.4(b)), the agency encourages public participation by review of and 
comment on the environmental assessment submitted with the petition 
that is the subject of this notice. A copy of the petition (including 
the environmental assessment) and received comments may be seen in the 
Dockets Management Branch between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday.

    Dated: February 12, 1997.
George H. Pauli,
Acting Director, Office of Premarket Approval, Center for Food Safety 
and Applied Nutrition.
[FR Doc. 97-5454 Filed 3-5-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-F