Safety guide

Which food additives and ingredients are safe?

Evidence-backed safety profiles for food additives, preservatives, colorants, and common food ingredients. Understand regulatory status across FDA, EU, and other jurisdictions.

Common questions

Is titanium dioxide safe in food?

The EU banned titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive in 2022, citing genotoxicity concerns. The FDA still permits it in the US at specified concentrations. Evidence on safety at food doses remains debated.

What are common food additives to be aware of?

Commonly scrutinized additives include artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5), nitrates/nitrites in processed meats, BHT/BHA preservatives, carrageenan, and high-fructose corn syrup.

What does GRAS mean for food ingredients?

GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) is an FDA designation indicating that an ingredient is generally recognized as safe for its intended use. GRAS status does not require pre-market review by the FDA.

Related ingredients

Fragrance

High concern

Composite fragrance terms reduce transparency and may hide sensitizers.

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BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE

High concern

2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Methylphenol is restricted in cosmetic products under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009.

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ALCOHOL

Moderate concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 16385 composition records across product categories including Personal care, Construction and building materials, Furniture and furnishings.

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Niacinamide

Minor concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 2264 composition records across product categories including Food and drug, Laboratory supplies, Personal care.

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PHENOXYETHANOL

Minor concern

2-Phenoxyethanol is listed in Annex V of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (preservatives allowed in cosmetic products).

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