Why Color Your Seed?
Many row crop, vegetable, grass and flower seeds are sold with a colored coating on the seed, which serves to differentiate between brands, applications, genetic traits, and technology. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates under 40 CFR §153.155 that pesticide products intended for use in treating seeds must contain an EPA-approved colorant to impart an unnatural color to the seed, unless appropriate tolerances or other clearances have been established under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for residues of the pesticide.
EPA-approved colorants are listed as inert ingredients under 40 CFR §180.910-§180.960. This series of regulations cover all inert ingredients that can be used on seeds and growing crops intended for food use. These inert substances may contain limitations on use or be exempt from the requirements of a tolerance. Any material that is approved for application to seeds or growing crops for food use, may also be used in non-food applications.
A Robust Array of EPA Registered Products
Sensient is proud to offer numerous products reviewed and listed by the EPA (the US Environmental Protection Agency) under the Trade Name Database. The EPA maintains a list of trade names for manufacturers of inert ingredients to submit for review to allow for the approval of formulated and proprietary products. This list includes the trade name, manufacturer and the 40 CFR approval status of the inert ingredient. This trade name can refer to a single substance or a mixture of ingredients. Sensient has volunteered formulation information to the EPA for review and guidance to have our materials listed on the publicly available EPA Trade Name Database.
For further information about seed coatings, read more about our options for seed coatings or contact us to discuss your application.
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