Yeast Extract: Can it be “hidden” under natural flavor?
Short answer: Based on the response Gluten Free Watchdog received from the Food and Drug Administration, yeast extract can’t be hidden under natural flavor–yeast extract must be declared.
More details: Gluten Free Watchdog reached out to the FDA to ask if the ingredient “yeast extract” has to be declared in the ingredients list as “yeast extract” or if it can be listed as “natural flavor.”
The FDA responded by citing two CFRs:
- Under the FDA’s Code of Federal Regulations, “The common or usual name of a protein hydrolysate shall be specific to the ingredient and shall include the identity of the food source from which the protein was derived.” See https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-102/subpart-B/section-102.22.
- Also under the CFR, “Because protein hydrolysates function in foods as both flavorings and flavor enhancers, no protein hydrolysate used in food for its effects on flavor may be declared simply as “flavor,” “natural flavor,” or “flavoring.” See https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-B/section-101.22.
Is it possible manufacturers don’t always know or follow the CFR—yes.
Might they declare yeast extract in the ingredients list as natural flavor—possibly.
Should manufacturers know better–yes.
Would it help if barley had to be declared on the food label just like wheat–yes!
Comments (4)
Should people with Celiac disease eat yeast extract?
If the source is spent brewer’s yeast–no. Please see https://www.glutenfreewatchdog.org/news/yeast-extract-confusion-redux/
Hi I’m wondering if this only applies to protein hydrolysates? A lot of yeast extract on labels is not labeled autolyzed yeast extract, so in those cases would these restrictions not apply? Like if the yeast extract is not being broken down into different peptides, but instead roasted or processed in some other way does that then mean they can label it under natural flavors? Recently feel like I got a reaction from Cheetos popcorn which does not have yeast extract labeled as an ingredient (although it does in the hot cheetos popcorn version).
In CFR 101.22 it says: The term natural flavor or natural flavoring means the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-B/section-101.22
It also later states that these natural flavors can derive from barley malt extract so I guess that’s another main concern with natural flavors: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-184/subpart-B/section-184.1445
Sorry I realize you don’t have all the answers, just wanted to share my thoughts.
Thanks for commenting. According to the Savory Food Alliance, yeast extract and autolyzed yeast extract are the same thing, “Both terms are used in the US, but there is no difference. The term “autolyzed” simply describes the process whereby enzymes present in the yeast split the yeast proteins and other macromolecules into smaller molecules. You cannot make yeast extract without autolysis. It does not mean that the yeast extract is artificial or had any additives added to it.”
When I reached out to the FDA about this issue, I cited and quoted both the CFR on protein hydrolysates and natural flavors. The agency response was as posted. BUT, this doesn’t mean that all manufacturers know not to include yeast extract under flavoring!
Regarding malt syrup/malt extract, you cite the CFR for this ingredient which includes the definition. There is also a CPG https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/cpg-sec-515200-malt-extract-malt-syrup-malted-cereal-syrup-liquid-malt-dried-malt which states, “The designations “malt extract” and “malt syrup” should be used only for concentrated water infusions of malt, with or without added safe preservative. The terms “malt extract” or “malt syrup” unqualified should be applied only to products prepared from barley. If any other malted grain is used, the extract or syrup may be designated by a specific name such as “extract of malted barley and corn.”
All of these CFR and CPG are so convoluted, is it any wonder that manufacturers get it wrong!