21 CFR Part 173 - Secondary Direct Food Additives Permitted in Food for Human Consumption

What it says

Part 173 lists secondary direct food additives, which are substances added during processing that are intended to be removed or to remain only at low levels in the finished food. They include processing aids such as enzyme preparations, solvents, ion exchange resins, polymer adsorbents and antimicrobial agents, each with conditions of use and limits.

Paraphrased for plain-language clarity. Always verify against the current published regulation text.

What it means in practice

• Processing aids may not need to be declared on the label, but they still need to be permitted.
• Use must be limited to the amount needed, and residues must stay within the stated limits.
• Records of purchase and use help show that processing aids are the permitted type.

What FDA inspectors look for

• Whether processing aids are permitted for the use.
• Whether residue limits are respected.
• Whether the facility can show what it uses and how much.

Related regulations