Amino Acids
Also known as: amino acid
An umbrella term encompassing essential and non-essential amino acids with varying safety profiles. Specific amino acids have individual GRAS or food-additive listings (e.g., L-glutamic acid, L-cysteine).
What it is
Generic term for the building blocks of proteins, used as nutritional or flavor ingredients.
Nutritional fortification, flavor enhancers, browning precursors.
What regulators actually say
"The food additive amino acids may be safely used to supplement food in accordance with the following prescribed conditions."
"EFSA assesses each amino acid individually for safety as a food additive or nutrient source."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Specific amino acids permitted as nutrients per 21 CFR 172.320; generic term not separately listed.
European Union — EFSA
Individual amino acids assessed separately under EU food additive/flavoring frameworks.
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