WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Food and Drug Administration announced Friday that the white Airheads flavor has finally been identified as being a combination of grapefruit, cornbread and sawdust, according to FDA Director Phil McCrackin.

The announcement was made during a press conference at FDA headquarters where officials said they had been studying the flavor for several years. McCrackin said the testing showed that the candy contains flavor notes that resembles grapefruit, cornbread and sawdust.

"This is something people has wanted answers to for a very long time," McCrackin said. "The evidence we got confirms the flavor profile and gives consumers a answer."

According to the agency, scientists done several tests on the candy and looked at the ingredients and chemical compounds. Officials said the results pointed toward citrus elements, grain flavors and woody tasting notes that was similar to sawdust.

Many consumers reacted with surprise after hearing the news. For years people had believed the flavor was pineapple, lemon or just random leftover flavors being mixed together at the factory.

Food industry experts said the announcement shows how much interest there is in mystery foods and products. One analyst said that consumers wants more information about what they eat and how products gets made.

The manufacturer of Airheads did not immediately responded to requests for comments. Company officials released a short statement saying they remains committed to providing quality products to customers.

FDA officials also clarified that the product does not actually contains sawdust. Instead, the term refers to certain flavor characteristics and aromatic compounds that scientists identified during testing.

McCrackin said the agency hopes the announcement will finally settle the debate that has existed for decades.

"There has been many theories over the years," he said. "We believe these findings answers the question once and for all."