Policy Shift
HHS Secretary aims to eliminate the "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) loophole, requiring FDA approval for new food additives to ensure transparency and safety.
Kennedy's directive responds to concerns that the GRAS system, established in the 1990s, allows unchecked introduction of potentially harmful ingredients into the food supply.
Research and Public Health
A 2024 study by , funded by the NIH, criticized the lack of FDA and public awareness regarding the prevalence of untested ingredients in ultra-processed foods.
Kennedy's overhaul plan includes reviewing existing GRAS ingredients and encouraging the removal of those deemed unsafe, aiming to align U.S. food safety standards more closely with those of .