The rule prohibits the use of cattle-derived materials that can carry the infectious agent for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease.
"Based on the scientific information provided…it is no longer necessary to designate the entire small intestine as a prohibited cattle material," writes the FDA.
As a result, the FDA is amending the rule to allow use of the small intestine in cosmetics, provided that the distal ileum has been removed.
The amendments also clarify that milk and milk products, hides and hide-derived products, and tallow derivatives are not prohibited for use in cosmetics.
Amendments to the interim final rule are effective on October 7, 2005 and comments are being are accepted through November 7, 2005.