The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Friday that it will be reassessing the approval of food chemicals currently on the market to evaluate their safety on human health. This initiative will begin with ingredients commonly found in products such as breads, breakfast cereals, and pepperoni. The agency will be revisiting the approval of chemicals like ADA, BHT, and BHA, which are used in industrial baking, cereal preservation, and extended shelf life of meats, respectively. These chemicals have been associated with issues such as cancer and hormonal disruption in animal studies.
In addition to these chemicals, the FDA will also expedite the evaluation of other substances already under review, including phthalates, propylparaben, and titanium dioxide. This move comes as part of the agency’s plan to implement a more robust and systematic review process for food chemicals, focusing on ingredients that are of particular concern to consumers.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the importance of addressing the health impacts of food additives and ultraprocessed foods during a recent Senate hearing. He stated that linking specific food additives and processes to chronic diseases has become a primary focus for the FDA and the National Institute of Health.
The FDA’s decision to conduct more rigorous assessments of food chemicals is expected to prompt food companies to reformulate their products in response to regulatory and consumer demands. The agency has already urged the food industry to phase out artificial dyes and colors by 2027. Major companies have been working to revamp their ingredients lists, even as they maintain that traditional additives and chemicals are safe for use.
The upcoming review of food chemicals by the FDA could result in additional labeling requirements or the revocation of authorizations for certain substances deemed to be hazardous. FDA Commissioner Martin Makary emphasized the importance of improving the safety and transparency of the food supply to help consumers make healthier food choices and combat chronic diseases.
However, the FDA’s ability to conduct more extensive reviews may be hindered by recent layoffs within the agency. The FDA has made significant cuts to roles supporting safety reviews, leading to a reliance on outside contractors to expedite the review process. Despite these challenges, the FDA remains committed to enhancing the safety of the food supply and ensuring that consumers can trust the products they consume.
