Generally recognized as safe

From Freepedia

Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) is an FDA designation that a chemical or substance (including certain pesticides) added to food is considered safe by experts, and so is exempted from the usual FFDCA food additive tolerance requirements.

A GRAS desgination typically exists in one of three forms:

1. Self-affirmed. The manufacturer of this chemical or substance had performed all necessary research, including the formation of an expert panel to review safety concerns, and is prepared to use these findings to defend its product's GRAS status.
2. FDA-pending. The manufacturer has performed all the aforementioned due diligence, and submitted to the Food & Drug Administration for GRAS approval.
3. No comment. The FDA has reviewed a product's GRAS claim and responded with "no comment," i.e. no further challenges on the product's GRAS status.

See also

• More information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).