Oats

Oats are a type of cereal grain grown from the Avena sativa plant. After harvesting, the grains are typically hulled and then processed into various forms such as rolled oats, steel-cut oats, or oat flour.

Oats are widely used in food products for their nutritional value, fiber content, and ability to add texture. They are a common ingredient in breakfast cereals, granola bars, baked goods like cookies and muffins, and can also be used as a thickener in soups and stews.

Oats are generally recognized as a safe and nutritious food. They are a good source of dietary fiber, including soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which has been shown to help lower blood cholesterol levels. The FDA has authorized a health claim for foods containing soluble fiber from oats regarding their role in reducing the risk of heart disease. As a whole food, oats are not evaluated by bodies like JECFA or EFSA in the same manner as food additives.