RFK Jr. Directs FDA to Assess Safety System for Food Ingredients

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is asking the FDA to explore potential rulemaking that would eliminate a pathway that allows food manufacturers to self-affirm their food ingredients are safe without agency review.

Kennedy’s request issued Monday directs the Food and Drug Administration to take steps to revise a final rule and guidance related to the agency’s Substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) system.

The GRAS pathway allows manufacturers to bypass an FDA approval process for food ingredients. Companies can self-designate substances as GRAS, showing scientific evidence and consensus that the products are safe. The FDA has a voluntary notification ...