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Generally Recognized as Safe

FDA designation for food substances considered safe by qualified experts under intended conditions of use, exempting them from formal additive approval.

Also: GRAS

Established under the 1958 Food Additives Amendment to the FFDCA. Companies may self-affirm GRAS status (subject to FDA notification) or seek FDA review. Critics note self-affirmation creates gaps in transparency for novel ingredients. GRAS does not apply to dietary supplements, which are regulated separately under DSHEA.

How each textbook covers it

  • duyff-complete-food-and-nutrition-guide-5e

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed.Chapter 11

    Established under the 1958 Food Additives Amendment to the FFDCA. Companies may self-affirm GRAS status (subject to FDA notification) or seek FDA review. Critics note self-affirmation creates gaps in transparency for novel ingredients. GRAS does not apply to dietary supplements, which are regulated separately under DSHEA.

Related terms

DSHEA, Food Additives