Which regulatory status does the FDA assign to the dried or fresh herb form of oregano when used for flavoring food?
Answer
Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
The regulation surrounding oregano differs significantly based on the form being utilized. When oregano is used in its culinary forms—either dried or fresh—it is classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the designation of Generally Recognized as Safe, or GRAS. This classification pertains specifically to its use as a flavoring agent within food products. This status contrasts sharply with the concentrated oregano essential oil, which carries significant warnings regarding ingestion and topical use due to its potency, highlighting the importance of differentiating between culinary inclusion and medicinal dosing.
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