safe for human consumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "safe for human consumption" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use it when referring to food or drink that has been inspected and deemed safe to consume. For example: The health inspector determined that the new batch of strawberry ice cream was safe for human consumption.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The cafeteria food now seems safe for human consumption.

The New York Times

Stevioside appears to be safe for human consumption, including for individuals with insulin dysregulation.

Domestic Animal Endocrinology

The quantity of mercury that is considered safe for human consumption is one part per two million of any substance.

The New York Times

So who inspected the Iowa farms to make sure that the eggs were safe for human consumption?

The New York Times

Opponents argue that these crops damage the environment, contribute to corporate control of food systems, and have not been proven safe for human consumption.

The Guardian

"These tests are not proof that StarLink corn is safe for human consumption," said Matt Rand, a spokesman for Genetically Engineered Food Alert, a coalition of environmental groups.

The New York Times

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a commonly stigmatized ingredient, despite it being consistently deemed safe for human consumption by experts.

Food Quality and Preference

Water Distribution Systems function to supply treated water safe for human consumption and complying with increasingly stringent quality regulations.

Water Research

But the city strenuously argued that the water was safe for human consumption, even as residents protested and got sicker and sicker.

The New York Times - Books

It is now more than 70% towards its target that no food that is safe for human consumption goes to waste.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

These mussels were initially deems safe-for-human consumption following negative MBAs, but it was later identified that AZP was he causative toxin [ 33].

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing food safety regulations, use the phrase "safe for human consumption" to clearly communicate that the product meets health standards. For example, "The FDA ensures that all approved foods are safe for human consumption."

Common error

Avoid using "safe for human consumption" in casual conversation; it can sound overly formal or clinical. In everyday situations, simpler alternatives like "safe to eat" or "edible" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "safe for human consumption" serves as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun (e.g., food, water) to indicate that it does not pose a health risk when ingested by humans. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

57%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "safe for human consumption" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe substances, primarily food and water, that do not pose a health risk when ingested. Ludwig AI highlights its frequent use across various domains, including news, science, and regulatory contexts. While the phrase is widely understood, it's important to consider the context and audience. In formal settings or when discussing regulations, it is highly appropriate. However, in casual conversation, simpler alternatives such as "safe to eat" or "edible" may be more suitable. Alternatives like "fit for human consumption", "harmless if ingested", and "non-toxic" can also be used, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

safe to eat

Simplifies the phrase by focusing directly on the act of eating.

safe to drink

Simplifies the phrase by focusing directly on the act of drinking.

fit for human consumption

Replaces 'safe' with 'fit', suggesting suitability or appropriateness for eating or drinking.

edible for humans

Focuses on the ability of humans to eat something without harm, using simpler vocabulary.

harmless if ingested

Emphasizes the lack of harmful effects upon swallowing.

non-toxic for human intake

Highlights the absence of toxic substances when taken into the body, using more formal language.

approved for human use

Specifies that the substance has passed regulatory approvals for human use, implying safety.

suitable for human diet

Indicates that something can be included in a human diet without adverse effects.

wholesome for human intake

Implies safety and health benefits when humans consume it.

not dangerous to humans if consumed

More explicitly states the lack of danger upon consumption.

FAQs

What does "safe for human consumption" mean?

It means something is fit to be eaten or drunk by humans without causing illness or harm. It's often used in the context of food and water safety regulations.

What can I say instead of "safe for human consumption"?

You can use alternatives like "fit for human consumption", "safe to eat", or "edible" depending on the context.

How is "safe for human consumption" determined?

It's determined through testing and regulation by agencies such as the FDA or WHO, which set standards for acceptable levels of contaminants and toxins.

Is there a difference between "safe for human consumption" and "healthy"?

Yes, something "safe for human consumption" simply means it won't cause immediate harm. "Healthy" implies it also provides nutritional benefits and contributes to overall well-being.