How manufacturers can use ingredients that haven't been federally approved

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former FDA head Dr. David Kessler are leading an initiative in the United States to address the nation's health concerns by targeting ultraprocessed foods and the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) exemption system that allows manufacturers to use ingredients without federal approval. The GRAS exemption, established decades ago, permits food companies to self-determine that certain additives are safe for consumption without seeking explicit FDA approval, a practice that critics argue has led to potentially harmful substances entering the food supply with minimal oversight. This initiative comes amid growing scientific evidence linking ultraprocessed foods to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions that have placed significant strain on America's healthcare system and reduced overall quality of life. The proposed changes could fundamentally reshape how food ingredients are evaluated and approved in the United States, potentially requiring manufacturers to undergo more rigorous testing and obtain explicit federal clearance before introducing new substances into food products.