What type of additives does the Delaney Clause refer to in its regulation?

The Delaney Clause, enacted as part of the Food Additives Amendment of 1958, specifically addresses the safety of food additives and establishes a zero-tolerance policy for certain substances. This clause prohibits the approval of any food additive that has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals, regardless of the dose. While the clause is generally associated with harmful substances, it directly applies to food color additives in that any color additive found to be carcinogenic cannot be permitted for use in foods.

The emphasis on food color additives stems from the potential for these substances to pose health risks if they contain carcinogenic properties. Other types of substances such as pesticide residues, preservatives, and flavoring agents may have their own set of regulations and safety evaluations, but they are not specifically regulated under the Delaney Clause. Understanding this context highlights why food color additives are the focus of the Delaney Clause's stipulations on safety and permissible use in food products.