What is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)?

Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) is a designation created by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1958 under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). This act defines food additives as any substances intentionally added to food and states that food additives (with some exceptions) must be reviewed and approved by the FDA.

In the 1970s, the FDA developed the GRAS affirmation petition process to update the program, but funding difficulties developed. In 1997, the FDA proposed replacing the affirmation petition process with the GRAS notification program. Since then, FDA-approved food additives have been distinguished from GRAS substances based on the availability of pertinent substantive information to the public and its broad acceptance by qualified experts.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.