RFK Jr.'s Ingredient ‘Loophole’ Fix Draws Food Sector Pushback

Brian Sylvester spoke with Bloomberg Law about the FDA's proposed changes to the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) pathway, which would require mandatory notifications and publication of a database for new food ingredients. Brian noted, “What has perhaps taken industry by surprise is the fact that the proposed rule was drafted so quickly. It is a key talking point under the MAHA agenda, but at the same time, there are ways to go about doing it in a thoughtful and considered way,” highlighting the rapid development of a proposal that raises questions about FDA’s statutory authority and could have significant implications for the food and beverage industry. The article details pushback from food and dietary supplement makers, who question the FDA’s legal authority and warn of market disruption if companies must wait for agency review. The proposal is part of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s agenda to close what he calls a “loophole” in food safety regulation.

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