The GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list is a safety standard of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) of the United States, which evaluates flavoring ingredients recognized as safe under specific conditions of use.
This scientific review is crucial for the food industry, allowing for the controlled and safe use of flavours in products consumed globally. In this article, we will explore the main features of the GRAS 31 list, its impact on the food industry and its influence on international regulations.
Introduction: GRAS and FEMA
Food safety is a priority for consumers and regulators in the food industry. The GRAS List, periodically revised by FEMA, plays an essential role in providing a standard based on scientific evaluations of flavor ingredients. In May 2024, FEMA published the latest update, GRAS List 31, which introduces new substances and adjustments based on recent advances in food chemistry and toxicology.
Background and Origin of the GRAS List
The GRAS List was established to comply with the Food Additives Amendment of 1958, under the FDA regulations in the USA, which regulates the ingredients that can be used in foods.
FEMA began evaluating flavors for GRAS in the 1960s, in response to the need for an evidence-based evaluation system for nontraditional ingredients used in the food and beverage industry.
Scientific Evaluation and Review Methodology
FEMA Expert Panel : Ingredient review is conducted by a panel of scientists specializing in toxicology, medicine, and chemistry. This group analyzes each substance under specific conditions of use and evaluates its safety through a combination of toxicity testing, exposure analysis, and review of scientific literature.
Open and Transparent Review : FDA regulations require that GRAS determinations be public, allowing for "general recognition" of ingredient safety for consumers and businesses.
Key Features of GRAS List 31
Ongoing Update and Evaluation of New Ingredients: The list is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect advances in scientific research. In GRAS 31, new flavoring substances were introduced and others, such as 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylfuran (FEMA 3391 ), were removed due to lack of conclusive safety evidence.
Specific Use Levels : The list provides recommended safe use levels for each ingredient in different food categories, such as dairy products, beverages, confectionery, and sauces. These levels ensure proper use and minimize the risk of toxicity.
Importance and Relevance of the GRAS 31 List in the Industry
Impact in the US and around the world : Although it is a US regulation, many global companies follow these standards to meet the high safety requirements. Some countries and international bodies, such as the Codex Alimentarius, also consult the GRAS list as a reference.
Trust and Compliance in the Food Industry : The GRAS list strengthens consumer confidence by ensuring that flavors used in products are safe under specific conditions of use. This is especially important in a context where ingredient transparency is increasingly demanded by consumers.
Challenges and Future Updates
Need for Strong Scientific Evidence : Each ingredient must have supporting scientific data, which may limit the inclusion of some ingredients with less available research. However, the FEMA panel continues to evaluate new research to ensure the list remains current.
Impact of Technological Innovation : The emergence of new production methods and natural compounds in the food market creates additional challenges for safety assessment, and future editions of the list are expected to include more precise criteria for these innovative ingredients.
Conclusion
FEMA’s GRAS 31 List is a crucial tool for the food industry , not only in the United States, but also globally.
Through regular scientific reviews, it provides a secure basis for the use of flavouring ingredients, strengthening consumer confidence and ensuring the safety of food products.
The May 2024 update marks a significant step in adapting safety regulations to the demands of a constantly evolving industry.
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