Pit Fragments

Pit fragments are small pieces of the hard stone found inside fruits like olives and peaches. They are typically removed during processing but may occasionally be present in the final product as a byproduct of pitting or slicing.

Pit fragments are not intentionally added to foods for a specific function. Their presence is usually incidental, occurring in products where the whole fruit or fruit pieces are used, such as olives, pickles, and deli salads. They do not serve as a preservative, sweetener, or any other functional ingredient.

Pit fragments are generally considered safe and do not pose a health risk when consumed in small amounts. They are not subject to specific FDA regulations as a food additive because they are a natural part of the fruit. Regulatory bodies have not specifically evaluated pit fragments as they are not considered an ingredient with a functional purpose.