OO CFSAN refers to the Office of Food Additive Safety (OFAS) at the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), which is a division of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Office of Food Additive Safety (OFAS) is primarily responsible for ensuring the safety of food additives used in the United States. Food additives are substances that are added to food to enhance its quality, preserve its freshness, improve its taste, or extend its shelf life. These additives may include preservatives, emulsifiers, coloring agents, flavor enhancers, and various other substances.
OFAS carries out its mission by conducting comprehensive safety evaluations of new food additives before they can be approved for use in the food supply. This evaluation process includes assessing the potential health risks associated with consuming the additive, determining its safe levels of usage, and establishing any necessary labeling requirements to inform consumers about the presence of the additive in food products.
Furthermore, OFAS is actively involved in conducting scientific research, risk assessments, and toxicology studies to ensure the ongoing safety of approved food additives. The office also collaborates with international regulatory agencies, industry stakeholders, and other divisions within the FDA to establish and harmonize global standards for food additive safety.
In summary, OO CFSAN is the branch of the U.S. FDA that oversees the safety evaluation, regulation, and ongoing monitoring of food additives used in the United States, thereby ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers.
