International Trade Today is a Warren News publication.

FSIS Proposes to Allow Sodium Benzoate & Proprionate, Benzoic Acid in Meat & Poultry

The Food Safety and Inspection Service is proposing to remove sodium benzoate, sodium propionate, and benzoic acid from the list of substances that the regulations prohibit for use in meat or poultry products. Under this proposal, new uses of these substances in meat or poultry products would continue to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and by FSIS for suitability, and FSIS would add approved uses of these substances to the list of approved substances contained in the Agency’s directive system.

Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article

If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.

FSIS said the proposed amendment will make the procedures for listing approved uses of sodium propionate, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate consistent with the procedures for listing other safe and suitable substances. This proposed rule will also expedite the listing of substances, such as sodium benzoate and sodium propionate, which enhance food safety by controlling Listeria monocytogens in ready-to-eat (RTE) meat.

Comments on the proposed rule are due by July 6, 2012.