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RFK Jr. proposes fix to loophole that allows additives into food. Critics say it doesn’t go far enough.
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- The Trump administration proposed a new rule requiring food manufacturers to notify the FDA when they classify additives as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) and to provide information on existing additives, aiming to increase oversight.
- Critics argue the rule is insufficient as it does not prevent companies from adding new ingredients without prior FDA approval nor remove thousands of additives already in use, maintaining the self-affirmation loophole.
- The GRAS designation, established in the 1950s to streamline approval for common ingredients, has been exploited by the industry to introduce many unstudied chemicals, raising public health concerns.
- Experts emphasize the need for more stringent data requirements on existing additives to ensure safety, while industry representatives call for congressional action to create a uniform, science-based regulatory framework.
- Additionally, the administration announced a federally recognized definition for ultraprocessed foods is nearing final review, though details and timelines for its release remain undisclosed.
