Including Chili Pepper And Red Pepper

Chili pepper and red pepper are dried fruits of plants from the genus Capsicum. They are grown worldwide and used as a spice to add heat and flavor to foods. They are typically dried and ground into a powder or flakes.

Manufacturers add chili and red pepper for their pungent flavor and heat. They are commonly found in seasoning mixes, marinades, dips, salsas, and processed meats. They can also be used to add color to food products.

Chili pepper and red pepper are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a spice. Capsaicin, the compound that gives peppers their heat, may have some health benefits, such as aiding metabolism and reducing pain, though research is ongoing. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have not classified chili peppers as carcinogenic. However, some individuals may experience digestive upset from consuming very spicy foods.