Ingredients, Packaging & Labeling

 

FDA regulates the safety of substances added to food. We also regulate how most food is processed, packaged, and labeled.

This section includes information on allergens, ingredients, food and color additives, food contact substances, and labeling requirements.

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Ingredients & Packaging Definitions

Find out how FDA defines the terms used on this website, such as "color additive," "food additive," "food contact substance," "biotechnology," "guidance document," and others.

 

Ingredients

FDA maintains multiple databases and listings related to ingredients, food additives, and colors. The following pages also include overview and educational information.

• Food Allergens

• Food Additives & Ingredients

  • Consumer information about additives and ingredients including:

    • Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages

    • Sweeteners

    • Sodium

    • Color Additives

• Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)

 

Treatment & Packaging

Access program information, inventories, and databases related to food packaging and other substances that come in contact with food.

• Packaging & Food Contact Substances (FCS)

• Irradiated Food & Packaging

• Environmental Decisions

 

Labeling & Nutrition

Learn about how FDA regulates food labeling, what claims can and cannot be made on a food label, and how to use the nutrition label.