What cancer-linked chemicals does the FDA allow in food production?

The FDA permits 25 chemicals linked to cancer in food production, including formaldehyde, asbestos, and benzene, some of which are allowed in food packaging and processing equipment.

Why are cancer-causing chemicals still allowed in U.S. food?

The Environmental Defense Fund states the FDA permits these chemicals despite the Delaney Clause, which requires banning carcinogenic food additives, suggesting a disregard for the law.

What is the FDA's response to concerns about cancer chemicals in food?

The FDA has launched a strengthened post-market review process for food chemicals and is reforming its GRAS framework to ensure safety and revoke authorizations when appropriate.

Home / Health / FDA Allows Cancer Chemicals in Food

FDA Allows Cancer Chemicals in Food

31 Jan

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Summary

FDA permits 25 cancer-linked chemicals in food production.
Eight chemicals are known carcinogens, 17 are anticipated.
Substances like asbestos and benzene are permitted.

Analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has identified 25 chemicals linked to cancer that remain permitted in U.S. food production by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Eight of these are known human carcinogens, and 17 are reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens. These substances, including formaldehyde, asbestos, and benzene, are allowed in materials that contact food, such as packaging and processing equipment.

EDF asserts these findings demonstrate the FDA's disregard for the Delaney Clause, a law requiring the ban of carcinogenic food additives. Despite the zero-tolerance standard of the Delaney Clause, chemicals like methylene chloride, used in decaffeinating coffee, are still approved. These chemicals can enter the food chain through various pathways, including packaging, equipment, and ingredient contamination.

The FDA states it is enhancing its post-market review process for food chemicals and reforming the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) framework. However, EDF argues the FDA already has the authority to remove these carcinogens immediately, as the science on many substances has been settled for decades without reassessment under modern cancer risk standards. Many of these chemicals are not permitted as direct food additives in the European Union.