FDA has confirmed an effective date of Dec. 8, 2017 for the final rule amending color additive regulations to provide for the safe use of calcium carbonate.

The rule was amended in November 2017 to allow the use of calcium carbonate to color soft and hard candies and mints, as well as in inks used on the surface of chewing gum. Calcium carbonate may not be used to color chocolate unless added color is authorized by the standards of identity that have been issued with section 401 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.