(a) Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl, CAS Reg. No. 12125-02-9) is produced by the reaction of sodium chloride and an ammonium salt in solution. The less soluble sodium salt separates out at elevated temperatures, and ammonium chloride is recovered from the filtrate on cooling. Alternatively, hydrogen chloride formed by the burning of hydrogen in chlorine is dissolved in water and then reacted with gaseous ammonia. Ammonium chloride is crystallized from the solution.

(b) The ingredient meets the specifications of the Food Chemicals Codex, 3d Ed. (1981), p. 20, which is incorporated by reference. Copies are available from the National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Ave, NW., Washington, DC 20418, or available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

(c) In accordance with § 184.1(b)(1), the ingredient is used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice. The affirmation of this ingredient as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a direct human food ingredient is based upon the following current good manufacturing practice conditions of use:

(1) The ingredient is used as a dough strengthener as defined in § 170.3(o)(6) of this chapter; a flavor enhancer as defined in § 170.3(o)(11) of this chapter; a leavening agent as defined in § 170.3(o)(17) of this chapter; and a processing aid as defined in § 107.3(o)(24) of this chapter.

(2) The ingredient is used in food at levels not to exceed current good manufacturing practice.

(d) Prior sanctions for this ingredient different from the uses established in this section do not exist or have been waived.