Vegetable

Vegetables are edible parts of plants, such as leaves, stems, roots, flowers, or fruits, that are consumed as food. They are grown through agriculture and can be eaten fresh, cooked, or processed into various forms like purees, powders, or extracts.

Manufacturers add vegetables to foods for their natural flavors, colors, and textures, as well as for nutritional benefits like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are used in a wide array of products, from savory dishes and seasonings to some sweet items and beverages.

Vegetables are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) food components by the FDA when used in their traditional forms. They are widely considered a healthy part of a balanced diet and are not associated with adverse health effects at typical intake levels. There are no specific regulatory evaluations by JECFA or EFSA for "vegetable" as a single additive, as it represents a broad food group.