In a major policy shift backed by the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is targeting the decade-old “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) loophole. The new mandate forces companies to publicly disclose every chemical used in domestic food packaging and ultra-processed foods [HHS announces ultra-processed foods GRAS reforms].
Historically, the GRAS loophole allowed manufacturers to self-certify ingredients and packaging materials as safe without informing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [HHS announces ultra-processed foods GRAS reforms]. The new HHS directive effectively ends this era of self-regulation. Instead, the FDA is launching a centralized, publicly accessible database [HHS announces ultra-processed foods GRAS reforms]. Manufacturers must now log exact chemical formulations, processing aids, and internal safety determinations.
The disclosure mandate impacts thousands of “indirect food additives” regulated under 21 CFR. High-priority targets include:
- Plasticizers: Endocrine-disrupting phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA) used in resins and can linings.
- “Forever Chemicals” (PFAS): Grease-proofing agents found in fast-food wrappers and paperboard.
- Production Aids: Unvetted adhesives, stabilizers, and lubricants used during plastic manufacturing.
- Direct Additives: Over 10,000 synthetic preservatives, dyes, and emulsifiers found in ultra-processed products [HHS announces ultra-processed foods GRAS reforms].
Source
https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-announces-ultra-processed-foods-gras-reforms.html