This week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new proposal that would require manufacturers to notify the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when concluding that the use of a substance added to human or animal food is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Consequently, the FDA would have more visibility into ingredients entering the food supply, allowing for greater post-market oversight.
Under the current GRAS framework, manufacturers are permitted to conclude that substances are generally recognized as safe under their intended conditions of use but are not required to notify the agency when making these conclusions.
The proposed rule is open for public comment until December 9.
Relatedly, HHS and the Department of Agriculture announced they have settled on a definition of ultra processed foods. According to the announcement, that definition is pending review at the Office of Management and Budget.