Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about how PlainFoodSafe sources its data, calculates safety scores, and what the ratings do, and don't, mean.
How many food products does PlainFoodSafe cover?
PlainFoodSafe covers over 859,000 food products sold in the United States, sourced from the OpenFoodFacts community database. Products include packaged foods from major retailers, specialty stores, and online grocers.
What does a safety score of 100 mean?
A score of 100 means the product contains no flagged ingredients and all identified ingredients have favorable safety profiles according to FDA SAFFA and CSPI Chemical Cuisine data. It does not mean the product is nutritionally optimal or safe for every individual.
What are flagged ingredients?
We flag 26 ingredients based on FDA enforcement actions, state-level bans (such as the California Food Safety Act), and strong peer-reviewed evidence of health concerns. The list includes synthetic food dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6), certain preservatives (BHA, BHT, TBHQ), and substances banned in the EU or other countries.
What is GRAS status?
GRAS stands for Generally Recognized as Safe, the FDA's designation for substances that have a history of safe use in food or have been shown safe through scientific procedures. Most common food ingredients are GRAS. However, GRAS status means safe at normal consumption levels, not zero risk.
Why might a product show outdated ingredients?
Product formulations change frequently. The OpenFoodFacts database is community-maintained and may not reflect the most recent product label. Always check the physical product label for the most current ingredient information.
Does PlainFoodSafe account for my personal allergies?
No. Safety scores are algorithmic assessments based on regulatory and toxicological data. They do not account for individual allergies, food sensitivities, medication interactions, or specific dietary needs. Always read labels carefully if you have food allergies.
Is PlainFoodSafe affiliated with the FDA or CSPI?
No. PlainFoodSafe is an independent data portal and is not affiliated with the FDA, USDA, CSPI, OpenFoodFacts, or any food company. We present public data in a more accessible format.