FDA to Allow Use of Hydrogen Peroxide in Modified Whey

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a final rule that amends
its food additive regulations to allow hydrogen peroxide to be used as an
“antimicrobial agent in the manufacture of modified whey by ultrafiltration
methods.” Effective March 2, 2011, the rule responds to a petition filed by
Fonterra (USA) Inc. requesting the change as an alternative to “electrodialysis
methods” used in whey processing.

Hydrogen peroxide has been affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS)
for human consumption when electrodialysis methods are used for whey
processing under certain conditions. After reviewing data on ultrafiltration
methods, FDA has determined that hydrogen peroxide “will achieve
its intended technical effect as an antimicrobial agent under the proposed
conditions of use.” FDA requests objections to the rule or requests for a
hearing by April 1. See Federal Register, March 2, 2011.