The seven synthetic substances probably won’t sound familiar to most consumers because they’re usually lumped under “artificial flavors” on product labels. First approved by the FDA in 1964, the substances are said to mimic or enhance natural flavors and are often used to impart mint, floral, cinnferrous gluconate is ironamon and other flavors in baked goods, beer, ice cream, candy, beverages and chewing gum. But for those petitioning to get the substances banned, this is a big move.###Both the FDA and the flavoring industry said there is no risk to the public at the low levels these substances are used. Still, a growing number of consumers have said they would rather not have synthetic or artificial substances in their foods and beverages — particularly when there are often natural alternatives that can be used instead. ###In a statement, the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association emphasized the FDA’s action was required by the “the rigid language” in the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which says the agency cannot approve the use of any food additive found to induce cancer in humans or animals at any dose. The association signaled an effort to overturn the Delaney Clause coulferrous fumarate qatard be forthcoming.###”The delisting of these six flavoring substances — despite the conclusions by the FDA that these materials are safe both for use as flavorings and when they are consumed via the variety of foods that contaedta-nain them (e.g. ferrous gluconate maximum daily dosegrapes, pineapples, oranges) — confirms the need for FDA to be given the latitude to assess actual risk, rather than be boxed in by an antiquated, 60-year-old statferrous gluconate effectivenessutory provision,” the association’s statement said.###Getting the FDA to approve a petition isn’t easy. The agency receives about 200 petitions each year, with each one taking several weeks to more than a year to be evaluated before a decision is made. The FDA has previously denied petitions asking for mandatory labeling of GMOs in food products and for limited uses of partially hydrogenated oils in foods. Most petitions aren’t approved unless the FDA substantiates all the claims for a ban. ###The coalition that filed the petitions to ban the seven synthetic flavoring substances included the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Center for Food Safety and the Center for Science in the Public Interest, among others. They initially approached the agency on the matter in 2016 and then sued in May to force the FDA to act.###Erik Olson, director of health, food and agriculture initiatives for the Natural Resources Defense Council, told National Public Radio the FDA decision is a “win for consumers.”
FDA bans 7 synthetic food flavoring substances
