The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides a reference guide explaining key food ingredient and packaging terms used in food labels, regulations and product information.
The resource helps businesses and consumers better understand the language behind ingredient lists, food additives, packaging materials and safety assessments.
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For companies involved in food manufacturing, packaging, importing and retail, understanding these terms is important for meeting regulatory requirements, preparing accurate product information and communicating clearly across international supply chains.
The FDA’s food ingredient and packaging terms resource covers a wide range of concepts, including food additives, colour additives, food contact substances, packaging materials and terms linked to ingredient safety evaluations.
Understanding food label terms
Food labels provide consumers with important information about what products contain and how they are made. The terms used on labels often reflect regulatory definitions that help describe ingredients, additives and processing methods.
The FDA defines a food additive as a substance intentionally added to food that becomes part of the product. Food additives are used for different purposes, including maintaining freshness, improving texture, supporting stability or enhancing appearance.
The agency also explains the term “colour additive”, which refers to substances added to foods, drugs, cosmetics or medical devices to provide colour or improve appearance. These substances must meet FDA safety requirements before they can be used.
Another important term is “generally recognised as safe” (GRAS). The FDA explains that substances added to food may be considered GRAS when qualified experts agree that their use is safe under the intended conditions.
By explaining these terms, the FDA helps food businesses and consumers better understand the meaning behind ingredient information that appears on product labels.
Explaining packaging and food contact materials
The FDA guide also covers terminology related to food packaging, including food contact substances. These are materials intended to come into contact with food during production, processing, packaging, transport or storage.
Food contact substances can include components of packaging, materials used in processing equipment and other substances that may interact with food.
The FDA defines a food contact substance as a material intended for use in a way that may reasonably result in it becoming a component of food or affecting the characteristics of food.
Packaging companies and food producers must consider the safety of these materials because substances can potentially transfer from packaging into food. Understanding these terms helps businesses select suitable materials and provide accurate information about their products.
The FDA’s guidance also helps distinguish between packaging materials themselves and the substances used to give packaging specific functions, such as strength, protection or barrier properties.
Supporting clearer food information
The FDA resource includes terms linked to newer food technologies, including biotechnology and ingredients produced through advanced methods. These definitions help businesses understand how different ingredients and materials are described within the regulatory system.
Although the guide focuses mainly on ingredient and packaging terminology, its definitions support clearer food labelling by helping companies use consistent language when developing products and preparing consumer information.
The FDA continues to provide updated resources on food ingredients, packaging safety and food contact materials as production methods and technologies evolve.
Clear terminology is increasingly important for a global food supply chain involving manufacturers, packaging suppliers, retailers and regulators. By explaining commonly used terms, the FDA helps stakeholders better understand the information behind food labels and packaging decisions.
