Secret GRAS: How 100+ Food Chemicals Bypassed Government Safety Review
Scout Impact
Highlights the concerning lack of transparency and safety review for over 100 food chemicals, supporting the case for avoiding ultra-processed foods that may contain these untested substances.
Key Takeaways
- At least 111 food chemicals have been approved for use without FDA notification or rigorous safety review.
- Food companies have independently determined the safety of these chemicals, often keeping details secret from the public.
- These chemicals are commonly found in everyday products like cereal, snack bars, and sports drinks.
Summary
Thousands of everyday food products potentially could contain substances that carry unknown health risks, according to a new EWG analysis. Although Congress intended for most food chemicals to be rigorously reviewed before market introduction, the reality differs significantly. Chemical and food manufacturers have rubber-stamped at least 111 food chemicals for use in numerous products, from cereal to snack bars and sports drinks. While presence on this list does not necessarily indicate harmfulness, food companies made independent safety determinations about these chemicals without notifying the FDA and often while keeping details secret from the public.