Trump Officials Propose New Scrutiny of Food Additives and Ingredients

U.S. health officials have proposed new regulations requiring food manufacturers to notify authorities prior to introducing new ingredients or additives into processed or packaged foods. The proposed change comes in response to a decades-old policy that critics argue allowed thousands of unvetted ingredients into the U.S. food supply.

Under the FDA's new rule, companies would be required to document and submit safety findings for new ingredients, enabling regulators to investigate potential safety risks. Currently, manufacturers decide independently whether an ingredient or additive is generally recognized as safe, with no requirement to notify or submit evidence to the FDA, though some do so voluntarily.

The FDA's proposal aims to close a longstanding information gap, providing the agency with comprehensive visibility into postmarket safety. The FDA will accept public comments on the proposal for 120 days. Additionally, the agency has completed work on defining "ultraprocessed" food for the first time, although no details have been disclosed.

This definition is seen as crucial for enhancing scrutiny of packaged foods linked to chronic health issues, potentially leading to more research and potential labeling or restrictions on processed foods. While both initiatives may not immediately impact the American diet, they are top priorities for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who vowed to address artificial colors, additives, and other ingredients.

Ultraprocessed foods, which include sugary cereals, sodas, chips, and frozen pizzas, have been a subject of scientific efforts to define and classify them for over a decade. However, broad definitions can sometimes apply to nutritious foods like whole grain bread, yogurt, and granola, often containing processed ingredients.