What is the GRAS rule and how is it being exploited?

The GRAS rule, established in 1958 for simple ingredients, is being exploited by companies to introduce new chemicals into the food system without adequate safety scrutiny from the FDA.

What were the consequences of tara flour in 2022?

Food made with tara flour in 2022 was linked to over 300 illnesses and 113 hospitalizations, highlighting the risks of unvetted GRAS ingredients.

Home / Health / FDA Rule Exploited: New Food Chemicals Unvetted

FDA Rule Exploited: New Food Chemicals Unvetted

Q: How many food substances have not been reviewed by the FDA?

Over 100 substances widely used in US foods, supplements, and beverages have not undergone any health and safety review by the FDA.

7 Mar

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Summary

Over 100 food substances lack FDA safety review.
Companies exploit GRAS rule for unscrutinized chemicals.
Tara flour incident caused over 300 illnesses and hospitalizations.

FDA Rule Exploited: New Food Chemicals Unvetted

A review of FDA records by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reveals that over 100 substances widely used in US foods, supplements, and beverages have not undergone any health and safety review by the agency. Companies are leveraging the 1958 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) rule, designed for simple ingredients, to introduce new chemicals into the food system without adequate scrutiny.

This exploitation of the GRAS rule has led to potentially dangerous substances entering the market. For instance, food made with tara flour in 2022 was linked to over 300 illnesses and 113 hospitalizations. Popular brands such as Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and PepsiCo are among those using ingredients with unknown safety profiles, undermining public trust in food regulation.