Clarification: Monster Beverage-Labeling story

(AP) In a story Feb. 13 about Monster Beverage Corp. changing its labeling to be considered a traditional beverage rather than a dietary supplement, the Associated Press reported that taurine is not approved for use as an additive in foods and that no notification had been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration that the ingredient is generally recognized as safe, or GRAS. The story should have noted that companies can also make GRAS determinations without notifying the FDA. Monster Beverage says it has determined taurine to be GRAS based on publicly available research. The story should have also noted that taurine is used in Red Bull, which is already categorized as a traditional drink.