Hi Dawn. Thank you for providing your comment on this post. We are unable to find any reference to the FDA regulation on vanilla bean concentration in Vanilla Extract. The FDA does regulate the alcohol percentage and moisture content of the vanilla beans in vanilla extract as to prevent harmful bacterial growth. The statement from the FDA is as follows:

In vanilla extract the content of ethyl alcohol is not less than 35 percent by volume and the content of vanilla constituent, as defined in § 169.3(c), is not less than one unit per gallon.

For more information and a reference to this regulation please visit:

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=169.175

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=169.3

If the information above is not able to address your concerns, please comment bellow with a link to this material or contact us directly to better understand and reflect on this content.

If a stronger vanilla flavor is desired in your extract, you can increase the amount of vanilla beans. However, please be cautious in the ratio as to not go bellow the 35 percent of alcohol by volume recommended by the FDA. Happy Baking!

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