RD - Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Practice Test 2025 - Free Dietetics Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term GRAS stands for "Generally Recognized As Safe." This classification is significant in the context of food additives, as it pertains to substances that are considered safe for consumption under the conditions of their intended use. The GRAS designation allows these substances to be included in foods without the need for extensive pre-market approval by regulatory authorities like the FDA, provided there is a consensus among qualified experts about their safety based on scientific evidence or historical use.

The presence of the word "generally" indicates that while a substantial agreement exists regarding the safety of such substances, it does not imply absolute immunity from risk. Instead, it reflects the collective judgment of experts in nutrition and food science affirming that the substance will not cause harm within the specified conditions.

The other options do not accurately reflect the established terminology used by regulatory bodies, which is why they do not appropriately define the GRAS concept.