Natural flavorings are a popular ingredient in many food products, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates their use through the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21, Part 101.22.
A natural flavoring is defined by the FDA as "the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional."
The FDA requires that all natural flavorings used in food products must be safe for consumption, and they must be derived from natural sources. This means that artificial or synthetic ingredients cannot be used to create a natural flavoring. In addition, all natural flavorings must be properly labeled, including the common or usual name of the flavoring, as well as any sub-ingredients that make up the flavoring.
It's worth noting that the term "natural" on a food product label doesn't have a legal definition and the FDA has not established a regulatory definition for it. So, a food labeled as "natural" may not necessarily be free from artificial ingredients and may have undergone processing.
The use of natural flavorings is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and does not require premarket approval, but manufacturers must ensure that the flavoring is safe for consumption and properly labeled. However, if a natural flavoring contains a substance that is not GRAS, the manufacturer must submit a food additive petition to the FDA for review and approval before it can be used in food products.
In conclusion, natural flavorings are widely used in food products, and the FDA regulates their use through CFR Title 21, Part 101.22. These regulations require that natural flavorings must be safe for consumption, properly labeled, and derived from natural sources, and the use of them is generally recognized as safe. However, if a natural flavoring contains a substance that is not GRAS, the manufacturer must submit a food additive petition to the FDA for review and approval before it can be used in food products.
Mosaic Flavors has been producing the highest quality of natural flavors since its origins. We have been honing our formulas to maximize taste using these ingredients.
Contact us to unlock the full potential of your food and beverage products with Mosaic Flavors' natural flavorings!