The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently completed an assessment of estragole—a naturally occurring genotoxin and carcinogen—in fennel seed preparations, concluding that consumption of fennel seed preparations may be toxic to infants, children, and fetuses. EFSA is seeking public comment.
FDA has shared concern about the growing number of edible products containing kratom available for sale online and at retailers like gas stations and smoke shops across the U.S. It has issued warning letters to seven companies for illegally marketing gummies, drinks, and tablets containing the kratom-derived concentrate 7-OH, a “novel, potent opioid.”
Following FDA’s announcement of its intent to end the use of artificial food colorants—largely by relying on voluntary action by industry—the agency has authorized a fourth petition for a naturally sourced food dye, Gardenia Blue. FDA is also reminding industry that even “natural” colorants must be approved by the agency.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reevaluated the safety of artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium (also known as acesulfame K, or additive E 950) for the first time since 2000, raising the acceptable daily intake. However, EFSA recommended lowering the maximum limits for lead and mercury in E 950.
During its 100th session held in June, the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) evaluated the safety of eight food additives and one processing aid, including rosemary extract, Gardenia Blue, and carob bean gum, and revised the specifications of seven other additives and processing aids.
In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Jatin Patel, Director of Operations for FGS Ingredients, about how the company handled a recall of several of its mustard-based products due to peanut contamination, the measures the company has implemented to prevent future risks, and the broader implications for food safety standards.
Louisiana recently enacted Senate Bill 14, which HHS Secretary Kennedy called a “Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) bill,” targeting more than 40 food ingredients—such as seed oils, food colorings, sweeteners, and other additives—through product label disclosures and public school meal bans.
The UK Food Standards Agency has established a safe upper limit for THC consumed in hemp-derived CBD foods and beverages of 0.07 milligrams per day, and is encouraging businesses to reformulate CBD products in light of the new THC recommendations.
A wave of similar announcements has come from companies such as Nestlé USA, General Mills and The Kraft Heinz Company as the Trump Administration prioritizes phasing out synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply and scrutinizes food additives generally.
A wave of similar announcements has come from companies such as General Mills and The Kraft Heinz Company as the Trump Administration prioritizes phasing out synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply and scrutinizes food additives generally.
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