Tuesday March 16, 2010

Improvements To Food Safety Suggested

Washington, DC — The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has recommended more strident examination of the ingredients in foods granted GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

At present, the FDA is not required to review substances, such as spices and preservatives, that are added to GRAS foods.

The GAO suggests the FDA determine the safety of these ingredients, with particular attention paid to regulating engineered nanomaterials. It also recommends the agency develop a strategy to require companies that conduct GRAS determinations to provide the FDA with basic information about the safety of inputs, which food manufacturers are not presently required to do.