FDA wants more information from food makers on new food chemicals
For decades, food manufacturers have been able to decide which food chemicals were safe enough to add to their products based on general government guidelines.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking more information from food manufacturers regarding new food chemicals. Currently, companies can add chemicals to their products if deemed safe by their own standards, without notifying the FDA, through a loophole known as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). This proposal aims to close the information gap established by Congress in 1958.
The FDA plans to require companies to notify them before introducing GRAS substances, allowing 45 days for submission confirmation and 180 days for review. Companies would still be able to use the substance throughout this period. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports the move, calling for increased FDA resources. Critics argue that the proposal doesn't address the root causes of chronic diseases, but still represent a step towards reform with mandatory notification and thorough safety standards.
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