[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 150 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 42699]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-20090]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. 99F-2533]


Hercules, Inc.; Filing of Food Additive Petition

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION:  Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that 
Hercules, Inc., has filed a petition proposing that the food additive 
regulations be amended to permit a change in the softening point 
specifications of currently listed gum or wood rosin derivatives and 
provide for their safe use as plasticizing materials (softeners) in 
chewing gum base.

DATES: Written comments on the petitioner's environmental assessment by 
September 7, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to the Dockets Management Branch 
(HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, 
Rockville, MD 20852.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary E. LaVecchia, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-215), Food and Drug Administration, 
200 C St. SW., Washington, DC 20204, 202-418-3072.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 
Act (sec. 409(b)(5) (21 U.S.C. 348(b)(5))), notice is given that a food 
additive petition (FAP 9A4655) has been filed by Hercules, Inc.,     c/
o 1001 G St. NW., Washington, DC 20001. The petition proposes to amend 
the food additive regulations in Sec. 172.615 Chewing gum base (21 CFR 
172.615) to permit a change in the softening point specifications of 
currently listed gum or wood rosin derivatives and provide for their 
safe use as plasticizing materials (softeners) in chewing gum base. 
More specifically, the petition proposes to eliminate the upper limits 
on the permissible softening point ranges for these gum or wood rosin 
derivatives.
    The potential environmental impact of this action is being 
reviewed. To encourage public participation consistent with regulations 
issued under the National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR 1501.4(b)), 
the agency is placing the environmental assessment submitted with the 
petition that is the subject of this notice on public display at the 
Dockets Management Branch (address above) for public review and 
comment. Interested persons may, on or before September 7, 1999, submit 
to the Dockets Management Branch (address above) written comments. Two 
copies of any comments are to be submitted, except that individuals may 
submit one copy. Comments are to be identified with the docket number 
found in brackets in the heading of this document. Received comments 
may be seen in the office above between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday 
through Friday. FDA will also place on public display any amendments 
to, or comments on, the petitioner's environmental assessment without 
further announcement in the Federal Register. If, based on its review, 
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).

    Dated: July 9, 1999.
Alan M. Rulis,
Director, Office of Premarket Approval, Center for Food Safety and 
Applied Nutrition.
[FR Doc. 99-20090 Filed 8-4-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-F