FDA Moves to Eliminate Self-Affirmed GRAS Status: What This Means for Food Safety and Consumers

The FDA has proposed a new rule aimed at changing how food ingredients are classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Currently, companies can declare some ingredients safe without needing federal approval. Under the new plan, the FDA will require all GRAS determinations to go through them, ensuring a stricter review process for both human and animal food substances.

This new rule, set to be reviewed in spring 2026, includes all substances, even those that come from food packaging. Companies will need to notify the FDA whenever they intend to use a substance they believe is safe. However, substances already recognized as GRAS or those that have received a “no questions” response from the FDA will be exempt from this requirement.

The FDA will also create a public database for GRAS notices and establish better guidelines for when a substance isn’t deemed safe.

Many industry voices, like the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), have welcomed this change. They believe that a solid review process can reassure both domestic and international consumers about food safety. AFIA’s president, Constance Cullman, highlighted the essential role of American farmers and feed producers in providing nutritious food. She expressed concern about potentially losing the GRAS pathway, which allows for safe ingredients that support animal health and nutrition.

An interesting point to consider is the public’s growing interest in food safety. Recent surveys indicate that about 70% of consumers are more likely to trust brands that are transparent about their ingredient sourcing. This trend suggests that consumers increasingly value the assurance that comes from regulatory oversight.

In conclusion, as the FDA moves forward with this proposal, it reflects a broader trend toward increased scrutiny and transparency in food safety. The involvement of industry stakeholders like AFIA will be crucial in shaping these regulations to ensure they balance safety with innovation in food production. For more information, you can read about the proposed rule here.

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