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This week in FDA history.This weekly feature from 2006, the FDA's centennial year, highlights history and progress in the agency's first 100 years.A sampling of significant events in the Food and Drug Administration's first 100 years.
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February 24, 1914:
The Supreme Court issues its first ruling on food additives. In U.S. v. Lexington Mill and Elevator Company, the court ruled that in order for bleached flour with nitrite residues to be banned from foods, the government must show a relationship between the chemical additive and the harm it allegedly caused in humans. The court also noted that the mere presence of such an ingredient was not sufficient to render the food illegal.

FDA in 2006

The FDA maintains a list of over 3000 ingredients in its database "Everything Added to Food in the United States." To market a new food or color additive (or before using an additive already approved for one use in another manner not yet approved), a manufacturer or other sponsor must first petition FDA for its approval.
These petitions must provide evidence that the substance is safe for the ways it will be used. If an additive is approved, FDA issues regulations that may include the types of foods in which it can be used, the maximum amounts to be used, and how it should be identified on food labels.
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