RFK Jr. Pushes FDA to Re-Evaluate Food Additive Safety

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., pictured during the Take Back Your Health Tour event at the state Capitol on February 4, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, has announced the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will reassess the safety designations of numerous processed refined carbohydrates. George Walker IV / AP

FDA to Review GRAS Status of Common Food Additives

The FDA will initiate a review of a petition demanding the revocation of the “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) status for dozens of ingredients commonly found in processed foods. This action comes following a request submitted last August by former FDA Commissioner David Kessler, who urged the agency to remove substances like corn syrup and various starches from the GRAS list. Secretary Kennedy affirmed the FDA’s commitment to addressing Kessler’s concerns during a recent interview.

Kennedy stated on CBS’ 60 Minutes, “We will act on David Kessler’s petition,” adding that the questions raised are long overdue for consideration by the agency. The core of the issue revolves around the GRAS classification, originally established by Congress in 1958. This designation permits food companies to independently determine the safety of ingredients, bypassing comprehensive government oversight.

Concerns Over Loopholes in Food Safety Regulations

Both Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and David Kessler contend that the existing GRAS system contains a significant loophole. This allows ingredients to enter the food supply without undergoing rigorous, independent safety evaluations. Kennedy indicated his intention to close this perceived gap in regulation, contingent upon approval from the White House. He emphasized the lack of transparency for consumers regarding the safety of ultraprocessed products.

“There is no way for any American to know if a product is safe if it is ultraprocessed,” Kennedy explained during the 60 Minutes segment. This sentiment underscores the growing public demand for greater clarity and accountability in food safety standards.

Industry Response and Future Outlook

The Consumer Brands Association, a leading industry trade group, responded by stating that food companies already comply with the FDA’s scientific and risk-based evaluations. They highlighted the role of the GRAS process in fostering innovation and meeting consumer preferences. The association expressed a willingness to collaborate with the HHS and FDA to refine the GRAS system, aiming to enhance both ingredient safety analysis and consumer transparency.

David Kessler, who served as FDA commissioner from 1990 to 1997, previously spearheaded efforts to regulate tobacco during his tenure. He now advocates for a similar approach to address the prevalence of ultraprocessed foods, stating, “We changed how this country views tobacco. We need to change how this country views these ultraprocessed foods.” While Kennedy stopped short of advocating for increased regulations, he emphasized the importance of empowering consumers with knowledge.