FDA statement on food safety:

As part of FDA's overall commitment to ensure the safety of the food supply, the agency uses an extensive, science-based process to evaluate the safety of food additives. The law requires that the FDA determine there is reasonable certainty that an additive does not cause harm when it is used as intended. The agency continues to monitor the science on food additives and is prepared to take appropriate action if there are safety concerns.

When determining that a food or ingredient is "generally recognized as safe" or GRAS for its intended use in food, the same quantity and quality of evidence is required as is needed to approve a food additive.

Theresa Eisenman

FDA Office of Media Affairs

Click here for more from Dr. Jayson Calton, author of "Rich Food, Poor Food."