The Food & Drug Administration published a notice in the Oct. 1 Federal Register that Evonik Corp. has filed a petition proposing that the food additive regulations be amended to provide for the safe use of silicon dioxide as an anticaking agent, grinding aid, antifoaming agent or carrier in animal feed components (ingredients, intermediate premixes, premixes, supplements or concentrates).

In the notice, FDA said under the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act, the food additive petition (FAP 2308) filed by Evonik would amend Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in part 573.

FDA said Evonik claimed in its petition that this action is categorically excluded under 21 CFR 25.32(r) because it is of a type that does not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. In addition, Evonik has stated that, to its knowledge, no extraordinary circumstances exist.

FDA said if it determines that a categorical exclusion applies, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement would be required. However, if FDA determines that a categorical exclusion does not apply, the agency will request an environmental assessment and make it available for public inspection.

The Federal Register notice is available at this link.