U.S. Food Manufacturers Exploit Federal Law Loophole On Additives

Federal law mandates that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensure the safety of all food ingredients. However, a significant loophole allows manufacturers to sidestep this requirement, reported Anahad O’Connor for the Washington Post.

Current regulations permit companies to independently declare a new additive as GRAS without formal FDA oversight. I Photo: U.S. Food and Drug Administration Flickr

Food additives typically require premarket safety reviews and approval by the FDA before use. However, substances classified as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) are exempt.

This provision was intended for long-established, safe ingredients like oil, vinegar, and common spices.

Current regulations, however, permit companies to independently declare a new additive as GRAS without formal FDA oversight. Critics argue this system exposes consumers to potential health risks by allowing unvetted substances into the food supply under the guise of safety.