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FDA Natural Food, Artificial Flavor & Additive Regulations

Aug 18, 2011 | By Joe Stone

The Food and Drug Administration is the federal agency responsible for regulating the use of food additives and any new additive must be approved by the FDA before it can be marketed. Additives generally include any substance added to food processed for human consumption that is intended to enhance the product in some manner, such as improve its taste, appearance or nutritional value. Although FDA regulations on food additives are extensive, no regulations exist on the use of the word "natural" on food packaging.

Natural Food

When it comes to the use of the word "natural" on food labeling, the FDA does not take a position on the meaning of the word. This effectively permits widespread use of the word on food labels without regard to whether it is properly being applied, such as labeling food "all natural" when it includes ingredients that most consumers would consider artificial. In recent years, trade groups and major food processors requested that the FDA define the word "natural" for use on food labels. Since 2008, the FDA has declined to act on these requests because it does not consider the issue a priority.

Artificial Flavor

The FDA defines artificial flavor as any substance used to impart flavor to food that is not derived from animal or plant product or from the fermentation of these products. The substance used to create the artificial flavor is not found in nature, but is produced in a laboratory setting using a synthetic process. Foods containing artificial flavoring must be labeled as such on the food, its container or packaging in a manner that is likely to inform the consumer.

Additive Regulations

Food additives are used for a wide variety of purposes, such as acting as a preservative or enhancing nutritional value. Additives also include natural and artificial flavoring, artificial coloring and stabilizers to impart a certain texture, appearance or taste to food. Regardless of whether the additives are from a naturally occurring or artificial source, they are subject to the same regulations for safety, wholesomeness and labeling. All food additives must be approved for use by the FDA, except those additives falling into two categories. The first category includes additives approved for use prior to 1958, such as preservatives typically used in lunch meats. The second category includes ingredients known as GRAS -- generally recognized as safe -- by food experts. GRAS ingredients include well-known spices and seasonings, such as salt and sugar.

Enforcement

The FDA enforces its regulations in a number of ways. The primary approach is through the issuance of written guidance notifying and explanation regulatory changes and amendments to the food industry. On-site inspection and product testing is also performed. Warning letters are issued in cases of non-compliance and, in severe cases where public safety is a concern, market recalls are ordered. A request for FDA action on a particular issue can come from any source, including from members of Congress.

References

Article reviewed by Jen Raskin Last updated on: Aug 18, 2011

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