Gras flavoring substances 21

tion. During a GRAS assessment of a substance, the Expert Panel evaluates a combination of relevant data, including data specific to the substance as well as data for the chemical group to which the substance belongs. For example, a pyrazine derivative is reviewed individually and in the context of its chemical group (42 other pyrazine derivatives) (Smith et al., 2002a). The analysis of food and flavor exposure data, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and toxicology for the structurally related group of substances provides the comprehensive basis of the GRAS decision. The breadth of the safety evaluation allows the Expert Panel to arrive at a “weight of evidence” decision concerning the GRAS status of each candidate substance. In addition to assessing the GRAS status of new flavoring substances, the Expert Panel operates an ongoing program to comprehensively reasGRAS Flavoring Substances