WEDNESDAY, March 12, 2025 – The U.S. is looking to tighten its grip on food safety. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for stronger rules regarding chemicals used in our food supply, which plays a significant role in his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
On March 10, Kennedy asked the FDA to address an old regulation allowing companies to add certain chemicals to food without government approval. This process, known as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), lets companies decide what’s safe without any oversight from the FDA. Critics argue that this system has let harmful substances slip into our food.
Kennedy’s plan might require companies to alert the FDA about new food ingredients and share safety information. However, there’s no clear timeline on when these changes might take effect, and it could be a long process.
“This is a basic step that hasn’t been taken by any administration before,” said Scott Faber, a senior vice president at the Environmental Working Group. His point highlights the need for better food safety measures.
Kennedy recently met with leaders from major food companies like Tyson Foods, General Mills, and Kraft Heinz to discuss these changes. The Consumer Brands Association, a food industry trade group, described the administration’s move as “constructive.”
Kennedy is also eager to eliminate synthetic food dyes, aiming to do so before his term ends. Melissa Hockstad, CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, noted his commitment to making these changes rapidly.
Industry leaders are reacting too. Sarah Gallo, another senior vice president at the Consumer Brands Association, pointed out that the GRAS process helps companies innovate to meet consumer needs. She also stated they are prepared to collaborate with the FDA to ensure the ongoing safety of food ingredients.
However, assessing food chemicals is no easy task, and FDA officials admit that it takes too long. Former FDA commissioner Robert Califf supports Kennedy’s plan but cautions that it will require more resources. “It would mean that the FDA would need more staff and funding,” he explained, indicating the potential financial burden of these changes.
This push for better oversight in the food supply comes at a time when public interest in healthy eating is rising. According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center, about 70% of Americans are concerned about the safety and quality of the foods they consume. With this backdrop, Kennedy’s initiative aligns with growing consumer demand for transparency and safety in food production.
For more details, the U.S. FDA offers insights on food chemical safety.
SOURCE: The Washington Post, March 11, 2025
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