Douglas Brown, President and CEO
EMD Chemicals
480 South Democrat Road
Gibbstown, N.J. 08027
Dear Mr. Brown:
I recently read that after eight years, the FDA has approved your use of titanium dioxide and iron oxide to make pill coatings sparkly.
I can see how this would make your products appealing to drug companies that are currently attempting to come up with the “new new thing” to compete with products such as “the little purple pill.” I am a bit concerned, though, because it is also being reported that you are seeking approval to add these chemical pigments to other potable items.
While the FDA can specify how much of these chemicals are allowed in any one product, and can give recommendations as to what amount is safe for people to consume, as you put these sparkles into more and more edible items, it will become increasingly difficult for consumers to monitor how much of the potentially harmful substances they are ingesting. As the article I saw points out, some people need to limit their intake of substances such as iron, even in trace amounts.
I hope that you company and the FDA will take these factors into account and implement responsible practices to help protect consumers.
Truly,
Liz Mann
