QandAs: Food

What is meant by GRAS on Food Additives and Ingredients?

Answer:
The term "GRAS" stands for Generally Recognized As Safe;

and it is used by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to categorize and designate particular food additives or ingredients into a classification of substances deemed by experts to be safe for such purposes.

In order for food ingredients to be classified as GRAS, they must be verified by ample expert advisements and assurances based on scientific knowledge and understanding of the particular substance; its potential for adverse effects on health; its reasonably acceptable levels of exposure; its potential for interactions and allergic responses; and other similar food safety measures.

There are three GRAS recognition scenarios, as follows:
1. Self-affirmed method: Means that the manufacturer or producer of the specific substance has taken on the responsibility and cost of evaluating the substance by way of expert panels and thorough research; and such evaluation could be used to support Self-affirmed GRAS designation.
2. FDA-pending: Means that a manufacturer or producer of a specific substance has completed the evaluation as described above, and has filed for GRAS recognition and approval from the FDA.
3. No comment: Means that the FDA has completed its review of the GRAS substance filing, and does not require further information or evaluation from the producer.

While there are many laws and regulations which govern food safety, it is beyond the Food and Drug Administration's capability to police and enforce them all. Consequently, there is plenty of room for corrupt practices, minimally-defined substance evaluations, marginal reviews, and other imperfections germane to large bureaucratic operations like the FDA and the food industry.

It becomes apparent, then, that we must learn, by ourselves, all we can about food additives and ingredients, if we wish to be able to ensure our safety.

Modern technology is bringing transparency of food ingredients closer and closer; and one day consumers will not be so easily fooled!

For more product ingredient information, visit Quing-It.com; "Your one stop source for product ingredient information!"