FDA Targets GRAS Loophole
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to propose a change to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) process that allows companies to self-certify new food ingredients as safe. This effort follows last year’s directive for the FDA to revise the Substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) rule. This rule lets companies bypass traditional government notification and review for certain ingredients.
The original purpose of the GRAS designation was to allow common ingredients like vinegar, flour, baking soda, and standard spices to be used without extensive safety reviews. However, companies have used a loophole to self-certify new ingredients and voluntarily inform the FDA. The FDA’s upcoming proposal will likely make notification mandatory for most substances. This follows the proposal’s clearance in a recent White House regulatory review.
“For far too long, ingredient manufacturers and sponsors have exploited a loophole that has allowed new ingredients and chemicals, often with unknown safety data, to be introduced into the U.S. food supply without notification to the FDA or the public.” — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Potential Impact and Challenges
This proposal is part of the Trump administration’s effort to address a food safety goal from Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again initiative. Implementing the change will face challenges, including significant opposition from the food industry.
Further development of the proposal and overcoming resistance are anticipated hurdles before it becomes final action.
Healthcare Policy Updates
Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), advised senators not to back an amendment that would fast-track a federal ban on hemp-derived products. The amendment, from Sen. Ted Budd, seeks to remove a delay in implementing the ban.
Regarding public health concerns, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an increase in emergency room visits for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, linked to habitual marijuana use.
Michigan health officials updated their lettuce consumption guidance amid declining cyclosporiasis cases, shifting back to routine recommendations.
Additional News
In a Senate vote, Republicans defeated an amendment allowing lawsuits against pesticide companies for health impacts, impacting critics within the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
Local headlines highlight a hospital-to-home initiative test in Massachusetts and an expected rise in ACA premiums in Missouri and Kansas. Oregon’s health board postponed a single-payer report due to funding uncertainty.
Additional Readings
The CDC’s workforce continues to feel the impact of a past shooting. The NIH plans to block international researchers on visas from certain funding. Concerns arise over Trump’s gain-of-function policies affecting pandemic research.