TL/DR –
An analysis by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that over 100 substances widely used in US food, supplements, and beverages have not undergone a health and safety review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Companies may use the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) rule to avoid a full review process, which has sometimes resulted in harmful substances entering the food system. The study found 111 substances of unknown safety used by popular brands, and while the lack of review does not automatically indicate danger, the substances’ effects on the body are often unknown and need more scrutiny.
Over 100 substances not reviewed by FDA used in US foods
Many substances found in common US food products, supplements, and beverages have not undergone a safety review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to a new analysis of federal records. An array of products across the food spectrum, including Capri Sun drinks, Acme smoked fish, and Quaker Oats snack bars, use these unreviewed substances.
‘Generally recognized as safe’ rule exploited by companies
The ‘generally recognized as safe’ (GRAS) rule, established in 1958, intended to exclude ingredients like salt or white vinegar from unnecessary review. However, companies are increasingly utilizing this rule to introduce potentially harmful new chemicals into the food system without regulatory scrutiny, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) discovered.
Report warns of unreviewed substances in popular brands
The investigation identified 111 substances of unknown safety, potentially used in popular brands such as Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, PepsiCo and Casita. The lack of a safety review doesn’t necessarily mean an ingredient is dangerous, but it highlights the need for more stringent oversight.
Loopholes in the GRAS system
The GRAS system requires companies to provide publicly available scientific evidence that a new food ingredient is safe. Nevertheless, companies can legally declare their products as safe without notifying the FDA, leading to potential exploitation.
Unknown safety and potential dangers of unreviewed substances
The investigation found 49 of the 111 unreported substances in the USDA’s FoodData Central database, which provides public ingredient information. These substances, including aloe vera extract and various plant extracts, have unknown impacts on the human body and could be potentially dangerous.
Calls for more robust regulation
Compounds like catechins found in green tea leaves, although linked to health benefits, have also been linked to various health issues in their purified extract form. This emphasizes the need for more robust regulation and scrutiny of substances introduced into the food system.
Proposed changes to GRAS regulation
US health and human services secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has proposed action against the exploitation of the GRAS loophole, advocating for fewer chemicals in the food system. However, critics argue that these actions are not enough to ensure safety.
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