Executive Summary

FDA grants approval for use of higher vitamin D3 levels as a nutrient supplement in cheese and cheese products, according to a final rule published in the Federal Register Nov. 16. Approval was granted following a food additive petition submitted by Kraft Foods. The petition requested that the previously allowed levels of vitamin D (89 IU per 100 g) be increased to 81 IU per 30 g. To support the safety of the proposed levels, Kraft submitted dietary intake estimates from current and proposed uses and from naturally occurring sources of vitamin D and compare the intake estimates to the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin D established by the Institute of Medicine, FDA notes. Use of vitamin D3 in certain meal replacement bars and beverages was approved in June by FDA in response to a citizen petition filed by Slim-Fast marketer Unilever (1"The Tan Sheet" July 4, 2005, p. 15)...