United States regulations specifications

NOTE In the United States at this time, there appear to be no federal or state regulations specifically concerning the level of Legionella sp. permissible or acceptable in cooling water. Positive test results do not predict the future safety of the cooling water system tested, only a total count at the time of sampling. This is not necessarily the position in other countries. 

In many countries (including the United States), regulations require mine operators to comply with specific limitations relating to effluents. In order to meet these lequiranents, the following treatments are typically anployed (1) addition of alkaline material, such as Ume or sodium hydroxide, (2) natural or mechanical aeration, and (3) settling. When the pH is raised to 7 or 8 and settling has occurred, most drainage waters will meet the standards for iron content and suspended solids. 

The FDA has pubhshed methods for the deterrnination of residual solvents in spice extracts such as oleoresins and has limited the concentrations of those specific solvents that are permitted. Chlorinated hydrocarbons and benzene have been almost completely removed from use as extracting solvents in the United States their use continues overseas where toxicity regulations are less stringent. The presence of pesticides or herbicides in spices is rigidly controHed by the FDA. 

Colorants. According to U.S. regulations, colorants are divided into two classes certified and exempt (see Colorants for foods, drugs, COSMETICS, AND MEDICAL DEVICES). Batch samples of certified colors must be sent to the FDA for analysis and confirmation that the colorants comply with estabhshed specifications. Color manufacturers pay a small fee for each batch of color that is analy2ed. The number of certified colors available to food technologists has declined. Several of the historical colorants were found to have carcinogenic effects. Table 1 shows the certified colors that are permissible for food use in the United States as of 1993. 

Another factor is the potential economic benefit that may be realized due to possible future environmental regulations from utilizing both waste and virgin biomass as energy resources. Carbon taxes imposed on the use of fossil fuels in the United States to help reduce undesirable automobile and power plant emissions to the atmosphere would provide additional economic incentives to stimulate development of new biomass energy systems. Certain tax credits and subsidies are already available for commercial use of specific types of biomass energy systems (93). 

Hair Coloring Regulation Issues. In the United States the classification of color additives is complex. Under the Federal Food, Dmg and Cosmetic Act, all cosmetic colors must be the subject of an approved color additive petition to the Food and Dmg Administration there is an exception for coal-tar colorants used to color hair. Based on the composition of these colorants, FDA can require a certification on each manufactured batch of colorant to assure conformance with the approved specifications. In the early 1990s FDA has required certification only for synthetically derived coal-tar type colors. Many of the approved color additives, both certified and noncertified, are restricted ia their potential use. These restrictions can be found ia the color additive regulations ia the Code of Federal Regulations at 21 CFR 73 and 74. 

Shipment of hydrazine solutions is regulated in the United States by the Department of Transportation (DOT) which classifies all aqueous solutions between 64.4 and 37% N2H4 as "Corrosive" materials with a subsidiary risk of "Poison". Hydrazine has been identified by both the Environmental Protection Agency and the DOT as a hazardous material and has been assigned a reportable quantity (RQ) of 0.450 kg (1 lb) if spilled. Dmms for the shipment of these solutions must bear both the DOT specification "Corrosive" and "Poison" labels in association with the markings "RQ Hydrazine Aqueous Solution UN 2030." Aqueous solutions of 37% concentration or less are a hazard Class 6.1, UN 3293, Packing Group III and require "Keep Away From Food" placards and labels. 

Rosin has a low order of toxicity foUowing ingestion or skin contact. Rosin and its numerous derivatives have a number of permitted food packaging and other direct and indirect food contact uses throughout the world. Sanctioned uses appHcable in the United States are outlined in U.S. Food and Dmg Administration (U.S. FDA) Regulations (2). Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for specific rosins and thein derivatives should be consulted before thein use. 

Specifications for raw cane sugar are set by purchase contracts. There are no international specifications, although the Codex JUimentarius is composing a draft specification. Because raw sugar is not sold as a food product in the United States (it is transported in bulk, like grain or coal), it is not subject to food regulations. Purchase contracts outside the United States are generady based only on pol U.S. contracts are discussed in the Hterature (6). 

In the United States, federal regulations require automobile manufacturers to certify that vehicles are ia compliance with exhaust emission standards when tested under specific test procedures. 

The permission to use food colorants is bound to their safety and is strictly regulated by specific laws controlled at national and international levels. Individual country laws differ according to specihc protocols, doses, and interpretations. Currently, the European Union (EU) has authorized 43 colorants as food additives and the United States (US) has authorized about 30. ... 

The FDA is the department within the United States Department of Health and Human Services that is charged with ensuring the safety and effectiveness of drugs, biologies, and devices marketed in the United States. Any work that you perform that contributes to a submission to the FDA is covered by these federal regulations. There are a number of specific regulations and guidance you must know. 

Fluorescent lamps, fluorescent lamp ballasts, batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing thermostats, and other mercury-containing equipment are being singled out for special consideration. Specifically, these electrical and electronic wastes outfall into a regulated category called universal wastes in the United States. 

Universal waste is a legal environmental term used in the United States. The Universal Waste Regulations in the United States streamline the collection requirements for certain hazardous wastes in the specific categories decided by the Federal and the State governments. The Universal Waste Regulations ease regulatory burdens on businesses promote proper recycling, treatment, or disposal and provide for efficient, proper, and cost-effective collection opportunities. 

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