New Bill Seeks to Reinforce FDA’s Food Safety: Tackling the GRAS Loophole for Better Chemical Oversight

Senators Edward Markey and Cory Booker have introduced a new bill aimed at tightening the rules around food safety. The Ensuring Safe and Toxic-Free Foods Act of 2025 seeks to address concerns about the FDA’s “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) rule, which many view as a loophole for food companies to add potentially harmful ingredients without proper oversight.

Since its establishment in 1972, the GRAS rule was intended to simplify the process for commonly used ingredients, like vinegar, to remain in the food supply without extensive checks. However, critics argue that it has allowed companies to introduce untested additives based on self-assessments, creating possible risks for consumers.

The new legislation requires that:

• Food companies provide extensive scientific evidence when claiming a substance is GRAS, including proof that it is not cancer-causing or harmful to children.
• The FDA will publicly post all GRAS notices, enabling a 60-day comment period from the public.
• The FDA can reject GRAS claims if the evidence is lacking or questionable.
• Substances can be reassessed, and their GRAS status can be revoked at any time.

Moreover, the bill mandates that the FDA review at least 50 GRAS notices each year and update their guidelines to ensure independence and transparency in expert evaluations.

This not only challenges the status quo but initiates a systematic reassessment of food chemicals. The FDA would need to evaluate at least 10 substances every three years, focusing on those attracting regulatory concern or public complaints.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first effort to reshape the GRAS process. Earlier this year, Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Rosa DeLauro put forth the Food Chemical Reassessment Act of 2025, which also aims to regularly review GRAS substances.

An emerging trend on social media highlights growing public concern over food safety, with many people advocating for stricter regulations. According to a recent survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, 74% of Americans believe food safety regulations are too lenient.

Endorsed by various organizations, including the Environmental Working Group and the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the Ensuring Safe and Toxic-Free Foods Act of 2025 reflects a critical shift toward ensuring that food additives are safe for consumption. As discussions continue, it’s clear that consumer awareness and advocacy are gaining momentum, pushing for a healthier food environment.

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