GRAS Loophole – FDA Regulation

Let’s talk about the term GRAS (generally recognized as safe). GRAS applies to chemicals that are in our environment and food. 

GRAS implies that the chemical is regulated and has been through a lot of safety studies. However, the FDA allows companies to self-certify their chemicals as safe. 

There are about 10,000 chemicals in our food supply, and 99% of them have not been reviewed for safety. 

GRAS is more of a loophole that companies use to imply that their chemicals are safe despite outside testing. 

Six chemicals that are generally recognized as safe: 
1. Nitrates: 
• Help preserve meat 
• Increase shelf life 
• Increase the risk of cancer 
• Could be in your drinking water 

  1. BHA:
    • A preservative 
    • An endocrine disruptor 
    • A carcinogen 
  2. BHT: 
    • A preservative 
    • An endocrine disruptor 
    • Toxic to the liver and kidneys 
    • Increases cancer risk 
  3. Potassium bromide: 
    • A dough conditioner used in many flour products 
    • A carcinogen 
    • Can inhibit iodine 
  4. Brominated vegetable oil:
    • A flavor stabilizer in beverages 
    • A flame retardant 
    • Can harm the nervous system and brain 
    • Can affect your memory 
    • Can interfere with iodine 
  5. Titanium dioxide 
    • Gives candy a smooth texture and brightens colors 
    • Can cause DNA damage 
    • Increases cancer risk 
    • A heavy metal 

Our bodies have the ability to get rid of a lot of these poisons if we don’t consume too many. 

However, some people have a problem with their detoxification genes. This means that they have a lessened ability to get rid of these poisons. 

The best thing to do is to try to avoid these chemicals and consume foods that support the detoxification process, like cruciferous vegetables. 

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