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

BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE

High concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 7055 composition records across product categories including Cleaning products and household care, Home maintenance, Specialty occupational products.

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GLYCERIN

Moderate concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 35327 composition records across product categories including Personal care, Cleaning products and household care, Construction and building materials.

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Water

Moderate concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 70443 composition records across product categories including Cleaning and safety, Personal care, Cleaning products and household care.

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HYALURONIC ACID

Moderate concern

Fetched 1 ClinicalTrials.gov references for HYALURONIC ACID.

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