If FDA disagrees with the independent determination, however, it may take regulatory action. If the GRAS affirmation petition contains the required information, the agency will accept it for filing and publish a notice in the Federal Register. This step allows the public to comment on the GRAS petition. About four to six GRAS affirmation proposals are accepted for filing by FDA each year. As with all food additives, FDA may take regulatory action at any time if it suspects a GRAS substance may pose a public health hazard.
Competitors are always quick to point out to authorities any unknown ingredient being used.
Thus, regulations governing GRAS substances play an integral role in the U.S. food protection system. The regulations ensure FDA oversight of food safety, while maximizing use of independent scientific experts to assist in the GRAS review process.