GRAS Self-Certification

Trans fats remained GRAS-certified for decades before the FDA reversed that designation, illustrating how the system can fail to prevent long-term harm. Apeel's ingredients were brought to market through GRAS self-certification, not independent FDA review. The FDA GRAS system allows companies to conduct their own safety studies and self-certify ingredients as safe without mandatory independent FDA review. GRAS self-certification is the mechanism by which substances with uncertain safety profiles legally enter the food supply.