Chili Pepper

Chili pepper refers to the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum, known for their pungent flavor. These peppers are typically dried and ground into a powder or flakes, or used fresh, to add heat and flavor to foods.

Manufacturers add chili pepper primarily for its distinctive spicy flavor and aroma. It is a common ingredient in a wide range of savory processed foods, including soups, sauces, ready meals, snacks, and meat products.

Chili pepper is a common food ingredient and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for its intended use as a spice. The active compound, capsaicin, is responsible for its heat and may cause temporary digestive discomfort in some individuals if consumed in large quantities. As a natural food ingredient, it is not typically evaluated by bodies like JECFA or EFSA in the same manner as food additives.