Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is making moves to overhaul the way the food industry receives regulatory approval for additives. Kennedy has directed the Food and Drug Administration to explore potential rulemaking that would revise the Substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) rule, which currently allows food manufacturers to bypass premarket review on certain chemicals or additives if they are considered safe among qualified experts.
One of the key points of focus is the “self-affirmed” pathway to regulatory approval, where manufacturers can declare their products as safe based on the conclusion of a scientific expert panel. Kennedy has criticized this loophole, stating that it has allowed new chemicals into the food supply without sufficient safety data. By eliminating this loophole, Kennedy aims to provide transparency to consumers and ensure that ingredients introduced into foods are safe.
The federal health department is also exploring potential legislation on GRAS with Congress and may increase scrutiny on self-affirming GRAS determinations in the meantime. However, ending the self-affirmation pathway could create more work for the FDA, especially as the Trump administration has been reducing the federal workforce, including in food safety roles.
Kennedy’s directive to review GRAS comes after reportedly directing major food companies like Kraft Heinz and WK Kellogg to remove artificial dyes from their products. The Consumer Brands Association has confirmed engagement with Kennedy on this issue, emphasizing the importance of supporting public health, building consumer trust, and promoting consumer choice.
While many food and health groups welcome Kennedy’s efforts to review GRAS, some argue that the FDA needs to do more to regulate ingredients that have made their way to the market without proper review. Scott Faber, from the Environmental Working Group, highlights the concern that thousands of chemicals are being used in food without FDA review, posing a significant risk to consumers.
Overall, Kennedy’s push to revise the GRAS rule and tighten regulations on additives in food reflects a broader effort to prioritize consumer safety and transparency in the food industry. By closing loopholes and increasing oversight, the goal is to ensure that the food supply remains safe and healthy for all consumers.
