[Federal Register: December 14, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 239)] [Notices] [Page 68777-68778] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr14de98-68] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration [Docket No. 98F-1122] GEO Specialty Chemicals; Filing of Food Additive Petition AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that GEO Specialty Chemicals has filed a petition proposing that the food additive regulations be amended to provide for the safe use of [[Page 68778]] dimethylolpropionic acid as a pigment dispersant for pigments used as components of food-contact articles. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vir D. Anand, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-215), Food and Drug Administration, 200 C St. SW., Washington, DC 20204, 202-418-3081. 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 9B4637) has been filed by GEO Specialty Chemicals, c/o Keller and Heckman LLP, 1001 G St. NW., suite 500 West, Washington, DC 20001. The petition proposes to amend the food additive regulations in Sec. 178.3725 Pigment dispersants (21 CFR 178.3725) to provide for the safe use of dimethylolpropionic acid as a dispersant for pigments used as components of food-contact articles. The agency has determined under 21 CFR 25.32(i) that this action is of the 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: December 1, 1998. Laura M. Tarantino, Acting Director, Office of Premarket Approval, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. [FR Doc. 98-33055 Filed 12-11-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160-01-F