Red Pepper Flakes
Also listed as Crushed Red Pepper and Chili Flakes.
Spices & Herbs
This is what the ingredient is.
Red pepper flakes are crushed dried hot peppers. Labels may say crushed red pepper or red pepper flakes.
Here is why it shows up on the label.
They add heat to pizza, pasta, and sauteed dishes.
Here is what food agencies say.
Sold as a spice under FDA rules.
Here is what research has found.
Salmonella in crushed red pepper has appeared in past spice recalls.
Here are a few things worth knowing.
Keep dry. Capsaicin can irritate skin and eyes.
Sources
- FDA Food Labeling
- USDA FSIS
- FDA Recalls
How to read this page
We publish plain facts about this ingredient so a label is easier to read. This is not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, avoid, or use anything. For a personal health question, talk with a clinician who knows your history.
v1.0Updated 9/16/2026