Final answer:
The GRAS list identifies substances deemed safe for use in food, either due to historical safety data or expert consensus. It aids in the regulation of food additives and ensures consumer safety from harmful substances or pathogens in food products. Therefore, the correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of the GRAS list, which stands for Generally Recognized as Safe, is D. to identify substances that are deemed safe based on a history of long-term use or expert consensus. This list is part of the regulatory framework of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, ensuring that additives used in food products are safe for consumption. The substances included on the GRAS list have either been used safely in food for a long time or have been subjected to rigorous testing and evaluation by scientific experts. Regulatory agencies require routine testing for food safety, including the identification of contaminants and pathogens such as Bacillus cereus, Salmonella, and Norovirus, to prevent foodborne illnesses. Additional tests are necessary to confirm the presence of these pathogens if they are indicated by initial screening methods.