Natural And Artificial Flavouring
Also known as: natural and artificial flavours, natural and artificial flavors, natural and artificial flavoring
Components must individually meet GRAS or food additive safety standards under 21 CFR 172/182. The umbrella label legally permits dozens of undisclosed chemicals.
What it is
A blanket label for proprietary flavor mixtures combining naturally derived flavor constituents (essential oils, extracts, distillates) with synthetic chemicals not derived from natural sources. Specific component chemicals are not disclosed on labels.
Imparts taste and aroma to processed foods, restoring or enhancing flavor lost in manufacturing or substituting for the named ingredient.
Why it's flagged
- May contain undisclosed allergens beyond the federally-required nine
What regulators actually say
"Artificial flavor ... means any substance, the function of which is to impart flavor, which is not derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof."
"Some ingredients can be listed collectively as 'flavors,' 'spices,' 'artificial flavoring,' or in the case of color additives exempt from certification, 'artificial colors,' without naming each one."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Allowed; flavor components must be GRAS or approved additives — 21 CFR 101.22
European Union — EFSA
Regulated under EU Regulation 1334/2008 on flavourings
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