Sarah Brown
The demand for functional mushroom extracts is growing, with companies like Nammex expanding their concentrated mushroom extracts GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list. This list includes organic mushroom extract ingredients supplied to health and wellness companies. However, the FDA has issued alerts regarding the use of Amanita Muscaria (A. Muscaria) and its constituents in food, stating that they do not meet the GRAS standard and may be harmful. On the other hand, Chiber™ Mushroom Fiber, a natural food and beverage preservative derived from upcycled white button mushrooms, has received GRAS recognition. The GRAS status of mushroom products is critical in ensuring their safety for consumption and use in the food industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | "Generally Recognized As Safe" |
| Application | A distinction between "food" and "food additives" |
| Exemption | "Common use" exemption |
| FDA Status | FDA alerts industry and consumers about the use of Amanita Muscaria or its constituents in food |
| FDA Evaluation | FDA evaluates the notifier's GRAS conclusion, including the notifier's analysis of publicly available safety data |
| Company | Chinova Bioworks received GRAS status for Chiber Mushroom Fiber |
| Company | Nammex expands concentrated mushroom extracts GRAS list |
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What You'll Learn
The FDA distinguishes between food and food additives
The FDA, or the US Food and Drug Administration, distinguishes between food and food additives by classifying them as either GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) or as food additives.
GRAS Status
According to the FDA, "any constituent which is added to food and has gone through checking by a scientific professional for its intended use is regarded as GRAS." In other words, GRAS status is given to ingredients that are added to food and have been scientifically proven to be safe for consumption. Some examples of GRAS fungal strains include Aspergillus niger, Agaricus bisporus, Tolypocladium niveum, and Rhizopus oligosporus, which are used commercially in the food sector.
Food Additives
The FDA defines a food additive as "any substance whose intended use results or may reasonably be expected to result - directly or indirectly - in it becoming a component or otherwise affecting the characteristics of any food." In simpler terms, a food additive is any substance that is added to food and changes its characteristics in some way. Food additives must be authorized by the FDA before they can be used in food on the market, and manufacturers must submit a food additive petition to the FDA for approval. The FDA evaluates the safety of food additives by considering factors such as how the body metabolizes the ingredient, relevant scientific studies, and establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake.
Examples of Food Additives
Some common examples of food additives include:
- Preservatives: Substances that slow product spoilage caused by mold, air, bacteria, fungi, or yeast, and help control contamination that can cause foodborne illnesses.
- Nutritional additives: Nutrients such as vitamins and minerals are added to enhance the nutritional quality of food or to make up for those lost during processing.
- Taste and texture enhancers: Spices, natural and artificial flavors, and sweeteners are added to improve the taste of food, while substances like xanthan gum are added to improve texture.
GRAS Status for Mushroom-Based Products
There is a growing demand for functional mushroom extracts in the food and beverage industry. Companies like Nammex, an organic mushroom extract supplier, have expanded their GRAS list for concentrated mushroom extracts. Chinova Bioworks has also received GRAS status for Chiber™ Mushroom Fiber, a natural food and beverage preservative derived from upcycled white button mushrooms.
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'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) status
Mushrooms are generally safe to consume and provide several health benefits. They are low in calories and rich in potassium, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin B6, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. They have been linked to improved immune system function, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of breast cancer.
However, it is important to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms, as consuming the wrong type can be fatal. Some mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms," contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic chemical. Psilocybin is listed as a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the United States, indicating a belief in its high potential for abuse and lack of legitimate medical purpose. While research suggests potential benefits for mental and physical health, psilocybin use may lead to disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and unpredictable behaviour.
To ensure the safe consumption of mushrooms, accurate identification of the species is crucial. Wild mushrooms, in particular, require proper identification before consumption. Several factors, such as their growing environment, age, and weather conditions, can affect a mushroom's appearance, making identification challenging. Utilizing multiple guides and pictures, studying spore print colours, and understanding the characteristics of specific mushroom families can aid in accurate identification.
Foraging for mushrooms requires skill and knowledge to differentiate between edible and poisonous varieties. Some edible mushrooms, like the yellow chanterelle, have poisonous look-alikes, while others, like the giant puffball, are edible only when young. Cooking mushrooms can enhance their texture and reduce trace levels of toxic hydrazines. Frying, roasting, baking, and microwaving are common preparation methods.
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Amanita muscaria is not authorized for use as food
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric or fly amanita, is a mushroom with psychotropic effects that can cause poisoning. It is often marketed as "psychedelic edibles", "legal psychedelics", or "mushroom edibles". The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has informed manufacturers that Amanita muscaria and its constituents, including muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine, are not authorized for use as ingredients in conventional food.
The FDA's decision was made after reviewing available information about the mushroom and its extracts, which concluded that they do not meet safety standards for use in food and may be harmful. The FDA's assessment of chemicals in the food supply is part of its commitment to food safety and public health. The administration also noted that there were no "toxicity studies sufficient to establish the safe use" of Amanita muscaria or its extracts. The available information highlights the potential for serious harm and adverse effects on the central nervous system, such as hallucinations, drowsiness, delirium, and seizures.
The FDA's concerns about Amanita muscaria are not new. In 2012, the FDA's "Bad Bug" book identified the mushroom and its constituents as toxic agents that cause poisoning upon ingestion. In 2024, the FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated a food poisoning outbreak linked to mushroom-based chocolates and candies, resulting in 180 illnesses, 73 hospitalizations, and three deaths. The investigation revealed the presence of muscimol and ibotenic acid in the products, which were not always listed as ingredients.
Amanita muscaria and its compounds are not authorized for use in food due to safety concerns and a lack of sufficient toxicity studies to establish their safe use. The FDA reminds manufacturers exploring the use of this mushroom in dietary supplements that they are responsible for ensuring their ingredients meet relevant safety standards.
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Functional mushrooms are non-psychoactive
Functional mushrooms are non-psychedelic and non-hallucinogenic. They do not contain psilocybin, the compound that breaks down into psilocin in the body, causing psychedelic effects and an altered state of consciousness. Instead of psychoactive compounds, functional mushrooms contain bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and antioxidants.
Functional mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional eastern medicine for their health-enhancing properties. They are also known as medicinal or adaptogenic mushrooms and are believed to improve overall body functioning, enhance performance, support the body's stress management, and protect against illness.
Some examples of functional mushrooms include Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, Shitake, and Turkey Tail mushrooms. These mushrooms come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, depending on the species. For instance, Reishi mushrooms typically have a reddish-brown, shiny cap with a woody texture, while Lion's Mane mushrooms have cascading white, shaggy spines resembling a lion's mane.
The demand for functional mushroom extracts is growing, and companies like Nammex, a premier North American supplier of certified organic functional mushroom extracts, are expanding their offerings to meet this demand. Nammex's ingredients have self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status, indicating that they have been evaluated by scientific professionals and are safe for use in food and beverages.
In summary, functional mushrooms are non-psychoactive and are valued for their potential health benefits and ability to improve overall body functioning. They are distinct from psychedelic mushrooms, which contain psilocybin and cause hallucinogenic effects.
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GRAS status for mushroom products is self-affirmed
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated certain mushroom products as having GRAS status, or "Generally Recognized as Safe". This status indicates that these products are safe for use in food and beverages.
Nammex, a North American supplier of certified organic functional mushroom extracts, has expanded its list of concentrated mushroom extracts with self-affirmed GRAS status. The company's manufacturing process for 1:1 extracts does not alter the identity, chemical composition, or properties of the mushrooms and therefore does not trigger "food additive" provisions. However, the concentrated extracts require safety data for use in commercial foods and beverages. Nammex's ingredients with self-affirmed GRAS status include RealChaga, RealCordyceps, RealLionsMane, and RealTurkeyTail.
Another company, BeyondMushrooms, offers a line of mushroom extract ingredients that have undergone the FDA's GRAS Notification process and are the only FDA-notified GRAS mushroom extracts available. This means that their safety has been thoroughly vetted and acknowledged by the FDA, providing regulatory peace of mind and eliminating uncertainties associated with self-affirmed ingredients.
It is important to note that the FDA plans to remove the self-affirmed GRAS status pathway. This marks a new era of transparency and oversight in food ingredient safety, and brands should adapt by prioritizing ingredients with FDA-notified GRAS status or equivalent regulatory review.
In conclusion, while GRAS status for mushroom products may be self-affirmed, it is important for companies to stay updated with the evolving regulatory landscape and consider transitioning to FDA-notified GRAS ingredients to future-proof their products.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushrooms are not harmful to the grass itself. They indicate healthy soil with active microorganisms breaking down organic matter.
Mushrooms grow in grass due to the right mix of moisture, shade or cloudy weather, and rich, organic material in the soil.
To get rid of mushrooms in your grass, you can pull them out from the base, improve drainage in your lawn, and remove organic debris such as decaying wood or roots in the soil.
