Is Tajín FDA approved? A Look at the Safety of the Popular Mexican Seasoning

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

Since its introduction to the U.S. market in 1993, Tajín has become a staple seasoning for many, but its import status raises questions about its safety. The good news is, for those asking 'Is Tajín FDA approved?', the answer is a clear yes, and it has been sold widely in the US for decades.

Quick Summary

Tajín is FDA compliant and approved for sale in the United States, following strict regulations for its ingredients and production. It is considered safe for consumption in moderation.

Key Points

FDA Compliant: Tajín is legally imported and sold in the U.S. and complies with all FDA regulations for food products.
Not a Prescription Drug: The term 'FDA approved' for food means it meets regulations, not that it underwent clinical trials like a drug.
Simple Ingredients: Tajín is made from a few basic ingredients: chili peppers, lime, and sea salt, with the anti-caking agent silicon dioxide.
Silicon Dioxide is Safe: The anti-caking agent, silicon dioxide, is 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) by the FDA in the small amounts used in food.
Globally Certified: Beyond FDA compliance, Tajín also holds certifications like Kosher, Halal, Gluten-Free, and Non-GMO Project Verified.
Quality Manufacturing: The seasoning is produced in Jalisco, Mexico, under strict, certified quality and safety systems.

Understanding FDA Approval for Imported Foods

Unlike pharmaceuticals, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not 'approve' imported foods in the same pre-market sense. Instead, the FDA regulates imported food products to ensure they meet the same strict safety and quality standards as domestically produced foods. This regulation involves a comprehensive import review process to ensure that all ingredients are safe and that the manufacturing practices are compliant with U.S. law. For a product like Tajín to be legally sold in the U.S., its importer, Tajín International Corporation, must implement a Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) to confirm the product's compliance.

The Journey of Tajín to U.S. Shelves

Tajín is produced by Empresas Tajín in Jalisco, Mexico, using 100% Mexican chiles. The company has an established U.S. subsidiary, Tajín International, which handles all commercial activity within the country. This distribution process is overseen by the FDA, which screens and samples imported products to prevent unsafe goods from entering the U.S. supply chain.

Quality Control and Certifications

Tajín is produced under stringent quality and safety systems, giving consumers confidence in its consistency and safety. The company holds several globally recognized certifications that reflect its commitment to food safety and quality. These include:

FSSC 22000: A global food safety management system certification.
Kosher & Halal: Certifications confirming compliance with specific dietary laws.
Gluten-Free: The company ensures its varieties meet FDA regulations for gluten-free products.
Non-GMO Project Verified: Ensuring the product contains no genetically modified organisms.

Ingredient Safety: A Closer Look at Tajín Clásico

The ingredient list for Tajín Clásico is famously simple and contains no artificial colors or flavors. The primary ingredients are chili peppers, sea salt, citric acid, dehydrated lime juice, and silicon dioxide. Each of these components is safe for consumption under the conditions of use and is well-regulated by the FDA.

The Role of Silicon Dioxide

Some concerns have been raised about silicon dioxide, an anti-caking agent used in Tajín. However, in the small amounts used in food, silicon dioxide is a substance 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) by the FDA. The FDA maintains that substances with GRAS status are safe under the conditions of their intended use, and scientific evidence supports its safety in food products. Concerns typically relate to inhaling large quantities of silicon dioxide dust in industrial settings, which is a different hazard.

Tajín vs. Other Imported Seasonings: A Comparative Look


Feature	Tajín Clásico	Generic Imported Chili Powder	Alternative Seasonings
FDA Compliance	Yes, compliant with all US FDA import regulations.	Varies; requires importer to ensure compliance and may face higher scrutiny.	Must meet US FDA safety and labeling standards.
Ingredient Transparency	Transparent and simple list of ingredients.	Potentially less transparent, with variations in origin and processing.	Depends on brand; quality can vary widely.
Allergen-Free Status	Certified free of major allergens (milk, seafood, soy, wheat, egg, nuts).	Information may not be available or guaranteed.	Varies by product; requires careful label checking.
Certifications	Multiple global certifications (Kosher, Halal, Non-GMO, etc.).	Unlikely to have as many robust, globally recognized certifications.	Depends on the brand; some will have certifications, others will not.

Conclusion

Consumers can be confident that Tajín seasoning is a safe and fully compliant product to purchase in the United States. Its FDA-regulated import status, combined with its simple ingredient list and numerous international safety certifications, confirms its quality and safety. While all seasonings should be enjoyed in moderation, especially considering the sodium content, Tajín stands out as a reliable and transparently produced option for adding a unique flavor to food. For more information on the company's commitment to quality, you can visit the official Tajín website FAQ page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FDA does not issue explicit 'approvals' for food products like it does for drugs. Instead, it regulates imported and domestic foods to ensure they meet safety and labeling standards. Tajín has been in compliance with these regulations since its import began in 1993.

Yes, all ingredients in Tajín, including the chili peppers, lime, sea salt, and silicon dioxide, must comply with FDA regulations. The anti-caking agent, silicon dioxide, is a substance 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) by the FDA.

No, the small amount of silicon dioxide used in Tajín as an anti-caking agent is considered safe for consumption by the FDA. Excessive inhalation of industrial-grade silica dust is a separate and unrelated health concern.

According to the manufacturer, Tajín is free from major allergens such as milk, seafood, soy, wheat, eggs, and nuts. It is also gluten-free.

A single serving of Tajín contains a moderate amount of sodium, but like any seasoning, excessive use can lead to a high sodium intake. Tajín also offers a low-sodium version of its Clásico seasoning.

There is no record of a recall for Tajín seasoning itself in the provided search results. There was a recall of pre-packaged produce containing Tajín, but the issue was with the produce supplier and not the Tajín product.

Tajín is produced in Jalisco, Mexico, using Mexican chiles. The company expanded its manufacturing plant in 2022 to boost production.