Glossary: Generally Recognized as Safe

Generally Recognized as Safe

Also known as: GRAS

What is it?

This category of food additives was established in 1958 by the Food and Drug Administration as part of the revised Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938. The original Generally Regarded As Safe list included around 700 food ADDITIVES that had stood the test of time and were believed to be harmless. However, grumbles then shouts from consumer advocates insisted that an overhaul of the Generally Regarded As Safe list was long overdue. As a result, the FDA has been reevaluating and reclassifying all Generally Regarded As Safe additives and banning any deemed hazardous. In addition, it's scrutinizing some 200 food dyes and 2,100 flavorings.