Naomi, My understanding of the changes in the FDA GRAS policy is limited. There is a document that would give you the history of the rule change in the FDA--its 56 pages long. But it might be helpful to you. http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fr970417.html I think it is important to realize that GRAS is no longer an affirmation process but a notification procedure. Companies are notifying the FDA that they believe their product is GRAS, and the FDA is accepting their determination. Read GRAS notices and carefully read the wording. The GRAS notification on Martek's DHA and AA states that they accept Martek's determination that their microbial oils are GRAS. It does not say that the FDA has determined that the oils are GRAS. You might want to read a most interesting document that was published in Accountability in Research (1999) Vol 6, pp 259-310 called "The Toxicity/Safety of Processed Free Glutamic Acid (MSG): A Study in Suppression of Information" by Adrienne Samuels. http://www.truthinlabeling.com/l-manuscript.htm There are a number of people (myself included) and organizations that believe that the FDA is very much influenced by industry. Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html