GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)

GRAS, or Generally Recognized As Safe, refers to substances that are considered safe for use in food by experts and the general public. This status applies to certain food additives, ingredients, or substances based on scientific evidence or longstanding experience. If a food item or ingredient is classified as GRAS, it doesn't require pre-approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being used in food products. The GRAS designation helps ensure that everyday food ingredients, like salt or sugar, do not pose health risks, promoting safety in the food supply while allowing for innovation in food production.