At least 111 substances with unknown safety have been added to foods, drinks, and supplements in the United States without notifying the FDA. According to Melanie Benesh from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), companies are increasingly adding unreviewed chemicals to their products instead of following guidelines that ensure safety.
Normally, to label an ingredient as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), companies must provide scientific evidence supporting its safety. Interestingly, notifying the FDA is voluntary, which means companies can self-approve their products. Benesh warns that this loophole is leading to a situation where it’s becoming “generally recognized as secret” instead of safe.
The EWG’s investigation revealed that of the chemicals examined, 49 were added to around 4,000 products in the USDA’s FoodData Central database. This lack of oversight leaves consumers in the dark about potential health risks.
Mathilde Touvier, from France’s National Institute of Health and Medical Research, argues that allowing companies to self-approve their ingredients poses ethical issues, given the inherent conflict of interest. “Safety assessments should come from independent public health authorities,” she insists.
In recent years, there have been numerous calls for reform of the GRAS system. The Consumer Brands Association, representing various food and drink manufacturers, mentions they are working on legislation to ensure more transparency and safety in ingredient disclosure.
Interestingly, of the substances identified, 22 were extracts from items many consider harmless, like aloe vera and mushrooms. However, when concentrated, these extracts can pose health risks. Biochemist Maricel Maffini warns that concentrating substances can create new compounds that may not retain the same healthfulness as their natural forms.
Aloe vera, commonly thought of as safe, is often found in over 450 products despite evidence that suggests some forms can be harmful. Similarly, mushroom extracts can vary greatly in safety; some mushrooms are nutritious, while others can cause severe reactions.
The dangers of these unmonitored ingredients came to light in cases like a frozen vegetable-based meat substitute that caused serious health issues for multiple consumers. The lack of scrutiny before these ingredients hit the market raises significant concern for consumer safety.
Experts emphasize that any ingredient’s safety can depend heavily on its form and interaction with other substances. For instance, while beta-carotene from foods is safe, high-dose supplements can increase cancer risks, especially for smokers.
Looking back, this issue isn’t new. A 2014 report highlighted that numerous companies relied on undisclosed GRAS safety determinations. In fact, nearly 99% of new food chemicals since 2000 were approved not by the FDA but by the industry itself.
Despite recent proposals for more oversight, meaningful reform could take time. Dr. Pieter Cohen from Harvard Medical School notes that the food regulatory system is in urgent need of improvement. He points out that incidents requiring intervention often lead to delays, leaving consumers at risk.
As we navigate a world filled with processed foods and additives, consumers need to remain vigilant about what they’re eating. Understanding the hidden risks in food can empower better choices, ensuring health over convenience.
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ingredients, FDA, foods, Green tea extracts, Environmental Working Group, investigation
