Food Ingredients & Packaging
FDA regulates the safety of substances added to food. We also regulate how most food is processed, packaged, and labeled.
Food Chemical Safety
The FDA protects consumers from harmful exposure to chemicals in food that would have an adverse impact on human health, through a comprehensive, science-driven, and modernized approach.
Better understand genetically engineered foods (GMOs)
Ingredients
The FDA maintains educational information, databases and listings related to food allergens, ingredients, food additives, color additives and GRAS substances.
- Food Additives & Petitions
- Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
- Ingredients & Packaging Terms
- Consumer Information on Ingredients & Packaging
- Overview of Food Ingredients, Additives & Colors
- Determining the Regulatory Status of a Food Ingredient
Packaging & Food Contact Substances
Access program information, inventories, and databases related to food packaging and other substances that come in contact with food.
Irradiation of Food & Packaging
FDA provides regulatory and scientific information about irradiated food and packaging. Irradiation may be used to increase shelf-life and reduce harmful bacteria in meat, poultry, vegetables and other foods.
Environmental Decisions
FDA assesses the environmental impact of its regulatory actions. Therefore, manufacturers must include an environmental assessment with their petitions and notifications, unless exempt.
Food from New Plant Varieties
Foods produced from genetically engineered plants must meet the same food safety requirements as foods derived from traditionally bred plants.
Food Made with Cultured Animal Cells
Taking a small number of cells from living animals and growing them in a controlled environment to create food is an emerging area of food science.
Industry Guidance
- Ingredients, Additives, GRAS, and Packaging Guidance
- Food Allergens Guidance
- Code of Federal Regulations Citations for Color Additives, Food Ingredients, and Packaging