US FDA moves to close food safety loophole on additives

The Story in Brief

The US Food and Drug Administration has proposed a rule to close the 'Generally Recognised as Safe' (GRAS) loophole, which currently allows food manufacturers to introduce new ingredients without notifying the agency. Under the proposal, companies must submit safety documentation to the FDA before using a new additive. The agency will publish a list of submissions but will not formally approve or review each ingredient. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr is backing the move as part of a broader 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda.

Consumer advocates estimate roughly 10,000 additives are currently allowed in US foods under the GRAS system. The FDA says the plan will give regulators greater visibility into the food supply. However, former FDA food-program director Susan Mayne cautioned that most self-affirmed GRAS ingredients would still escape direct review. The agency will accept public comments for 120 days before finalising the rule. Any future mandatory pre-market approval would require an act of Congress.