Natural Flavor & Lime Oil

Natural flavor is a complex mixture of aromatic chemicals derived from natural sources like plants or animal products. Lime oil is extracted from the peel of limes, a citrus fruit. These ingredients are used to impart specific tastes and aromas to food products.

Manufacturers add natural flavors and lime oil to enhance or create desired taste profiles in foods. They are commonly found in seasoning mixes, salts, marinades, tenderizers, and various prepared meals, especially those with a Mexican or Latin American influence.

Natural flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. The FDA does not require specific labeling for the source of natural flavors beyond the term 'natural flavor.' JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many flavor compounds, but specific evaluations for broad categories like 'natural flavor' are complex. At typical consumption levels, they are not associated with adverse health effects.