White Chia Seed
Also known as: white chia seeds
Chia seeds are GRAS in the US (multiple GRAS notices) and authorized as Novel Food in the EU since 2009 (max 10% of bread weight, then expanded). They are high in alpha-linolenic acid, fiber, and protein.
What it is
Light-colored seed variety of Salvia hispanica, the chia plant, native to Mexico/Central America.
Whole-food seed; source of omega-3 ALA, fiber, and protein.
Why it's flagged
- esophageal obstruction risk if eaten dry
What regulators actually say
"FDA has no questions ... whole and ground chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) ... GRAS."
"Chia seed (Salvia hispanica) ... is safe under proposed conditions of use."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS (e.g., GRN 729 chia seeds); use as food permitted.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized Novel Food (Decision 2009/827/EC; expanded uses in subsequent decisions).
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