Though dietary avoidance involves a great deal of care on the part of the individual with an additive sensitivity, groups such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are continuing to work to identify potentially problematic additives and either limit their use, ban them or require the additive be listed on food packaging. The FDA’s Adverse Reaction Monitoring System (ARMS) was set up specifically for the purpose of monitoring additives and dealing with complaints from consumers. An additive cannot be used in the United States until the FDA has approved its use.

The FDA has also taken action against the use of certain types of food and cosmetic colorings used as additives. Originally, in 1960, almost 200 colors were included on the provisional approval list. Today only seven types of these colorings are approved for use in the United States. The FDA has banned the use of sulfites from many types of fruits and vegetables, removing the substance entirely from salad bars, where it used to be found. Today, sulfites can be used in foods only at an extremely low level, and foods that contain more than 10 parts per million must list the additive on their ingredient label.

The FDA also maintains a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list, which includes food items that are regarded as safe by the scientific community. If the FDA views an additive as potentially harmful, it may remain on the GRAS list only if it is packaged in a safe, tiny quantity. Still, individuals with additive sensitivities should always check to make sure that problem additives are not present in any food, drug or cosmetic before using.