Your Guide to GRAS & NDIN Compliance for Ingredients

Expanding into the U.S. ingredient market can feel overwhelming, with strict FDA rules to follow. That’s why we offer support with GRAS notices, self‑affirmed GRAS reviews, and NDI notifications — services designed to turn complex requirements into clear, practical steps. From identifying the right pathway to preparing submissions, we’re here to ease the process and help you move forward with your ingredient launch. 

Why Ingredient Compliance Matters

Launching an ingredient in the U.S. can open major opportunities, but it also requires meeting the FDA’s expectations through specific pathways. GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) applies to food ingredients deemed safe by expert consensus or scientific evidence, while NDIN (New Dietary Ingredient Notification) is required for dietary ingredients not marketed in the U.S. before October 15, 1994.  

Both demand strong documentation and careful preparation. Without the right support, companies risk delays, enforcement actions, or missed opportunities. With the right approach, though, compliance can unlock positive outcomes such as faster approvals, smoother entry to market, and greater trust from partners and regulators.  

Our team helps you understand these requirements, avoid pitfalls, and highlight the benefits so your next steps are clear and achievable. 

GRAS & NDIN Process Overview

The GRAS pathway reviews safety data, prepares a dossier, and includes an expert panel before FDA submission. NDIN applies to dietary ingredients not marketed before October 15, 1994 and requires a notification with identity, use, and safety data. Here’s how both processes typically flow: 

GRAS Process

Step 1
Gap Assessment

Review available safety, manufacturing, and identity data, and identify what’s missing.

Step 3
Expert Panel

For those taking the self-affirmed GRAS pathway, independent experts evaluate the dossier.

Step 2
Technical Writing

Draft a dossier with identity, manufacturing, safety, and evidence.

Step 4
FDA GRAS Notice

Submit to FDA and address feedback.

NDIN Process

Step 1
Gap Assessment

Review available data including safety, manufacturing, and identity, and identify what’s missing.

Step 3
Submit to FDA

Send before launch for review.

Step 5
Respond if Requested

Provide clarifications or additional info.

Step 2
Prepare Notification

Draft letter with ingredient details, intended use, and safety data.

Step 4
FDA Review Period

FDA reviews safety and intended use.

Our GRAS & NDIN Solutions

We focus on three core ingredient compliance services that are essential when entering the U.S. market. These pathways form the foundation for proving safety, meeting FDA expectations, and moving your ingredient forward with clarity and support: 

GRAS Notifications

Preparation and submission of GRAS notices to the FDA, ensuring your ingredient meets safety standards for food use.

Self-Affirmed GRAS

Coordination of expert panel reviews and evidence packages so safety can be established without formal FDA review.

NDI Notifications

Guidance through the FDA’s NDI notification process for dietary ingredients introduced after October 15, 1994.

Supporting Services for Stronger Submissions

Beyond the core pathways, several supporting services can help strengthen your submission and improve the chances of smooth acceptance: 

We help organize safety studies through our trusted CRO network, following OECD and FDA standards. 

Our team supports the drafting and publishing of scientific data to strengthen your submission.

We calculate expected intake using ADI and EDI models to support your safety justification. 

We write a new dossier or review your draft dossier to ensure regulatory completeness and consistency before submission.

Why work with us?

18+ years of FDA and ingredient compliance expertise
Expert insights from a former FDA GRAS Evaluator on our team
Experience with both GRAS notices and NDIN submissions
Practical strategies that reduce delays and streamline submissions
Support across global markets, including Health Canada, EFSA, and more
Tailored guidance that fits your product and business goals

FAQs on GRAS & NDIN Compliance

Yes, you can submit a GRAS Notice after self-affirming. This is often done to meet buyer or market demands.

Not always. If there is enough publicly available safety data, clinical studies may not be required. A gap assessment helps confirm this.

Panel members must be qualified in fields like toxicology, pharmacology, or food science, and must be independent from the company.

Yes, if it is used in both food and dietary supplements. Each use may require a separate assessment or submission.

Yes, if they meet the criteria for a new dietary ingredient and are used in supplements sold in the U.S. 

We help identify gaps, strengthen your evidence, and resubmit to improve approval chances.

No. GRAS is a U.S.-specific regulatory path and is not automatically accepted in other markets.

Get In Touch

Let’s make your FDA compliance journey clear and achievable. Our team is ready to support your next steps. 

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