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###### Department of Health and Human Services

###### Food and Drug Administration

          - [Docket No. 01F-0233]

# AGENCY:

Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

# ACTION:

Notice.

# SUMMARY:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that Alcide Corp. has filed a petition proposing that the food additive regulations be amended to provide for the safe use of acidified sodium chlorite solutions as an antimicrobial agent in processing waters applied to processed fruits and vegetables.

# DATES:

Submit written comments on the petitioner's environmental assessment by June 22, 2001.

# 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:

Robert L. Martin, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-215), Food and Drug Administration, 200 C St. SW., Washington, DC  20204-0001, 202-418-3074.

# 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 1A4729) has been filed by Alcide Corp., 8561 154th Ave. NE., Redmond, WA 98052.  The petition proposes to amend the food additive regulations in § 173.325                     *Acidified sodium chlorite solutions*                     (21 CFR 173.325) to provide for the safe use of acidified sodium chlorite solutions as an antimicrobial agent in processing waters applied to processed fruits and vegetables.                

                    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 submit to the Dockets Management Branch written comments by June 22, 2001.  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 Dockets Management Branch 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                           ( print page 28526)                        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:  May 4, 2001.

Alan M. Rulis,

Director, Office of Premarket Approval, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

[FR Doc. 01-13068 Filed 5-22-01; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4160-01-S