Popular Food Products Consumption
In the realm of food regulation, a "commonly consumed food commodity" is a crucial term. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this term refers to food items that are regularly eaten by the general population, serving as typical food exposure sources for pesticide residues or sanitizing agents.
The criteria for a "commonly consumed food commodity" can be found in 40 CFR 180.950(a). This designation is used to establish tolerances or exemptions for pesticide residues or sanitizing solution components that could contact these foods. The purpose is to ensure safety for the general population.
Examples of commonly consumed food commodities include coffee and tea, water, rice, corn, sugarcane, molasses, sugar, rice flour, rice crackers, cornmeal, cornstarch, spices, and herbs. On the other hand, substances like coffee grounds and tea leaves, food additives, and certain chemicals used in food production are not considered to be a "commonly consumed food commodity" for the purposes of 40 CFR 180.950(a).
Interestingly, food items such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soybeans, eggs, fish, crustaceans (many shellfish are crustaceans), and wheat are excluded from the description of a "commonly consumed food commodity." This exclusion is outlined in 40 CFR 180.950(a)(2)(ii).
Products derived from hydrogenating (food or feed) oils or liquefying (food or feed) fats, such as hydrogenated rapeseed oil or hydrogenated soybean oil, are not considered "commonly consumed food commodities."
It's important to note that vitamins, dietary supplements, medicines, and cosmetics are not considered to be a "commonly consumed food commodity" under 40 CFR 180.950(a). Many of these substances are sold in child-proof packaging, and/or carry warnings concerning consumption by children.
The FDA and EPA each have their regulatory oversight areas. The FDA is responsible for the regulatory oversight of vitamins, dietary supplements, medicines, and cosmetics, while the EPA focuses on color additives used in food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.
The EPA has provided additional guidance on the definition of a "processed commodity." Processed food commodities that can be used as inert ingredients in minimum risk products are understood by considering what foods are available in a typical U.S. grocery store, what is advertised as food for human consumption, what substances are consumed in significant amounts in the United States, and the nutrition of the substance.
In conclusion, the term "commonly consumed food commodity" is a crucial concept in U.S. food regulation, specifically under the EPA's jurisdiction. It refers to food items that are regularly eaten by the general population and serves as a basis for setting tolerances or exemptions for pesticide residues or sanitizing solution components to ensure safety for the general population. For the exact wording, one would need to consult the current official version of 40 CFR 180.950(a) as published by the U.S. Government Publishing Office or EPA.
- In the scope of food-and-drink, water is recognized as a commonly consumed food commodity, subjecting it to tolerances or exemptions for pesticide residues or sanitizing solution components according to 40 CFR 180.950(a), aiding in maintaining health-and-wellness and lifestyle safety.
- Pesticides could contaminate rice, a common food staple and a frequently consumed food commodity, necessitating careful regulation to minimize potential risks to the general population.
- Science is essential in this realm, as it helps determine if substances such as spices and herbs, which are part of a typical lifestyle and food-and-drink choices, qualify as commonly consumed food commodities under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) guidelines.
