The ‘GRAS’ loophole lets untested additives into Americans’ food. Can RFK Jr. close it? Kennedy wants to tackle the exemption that allows food companies to put chemicals in food without review by the FDA. Many have tried before him

https://www.statnews.com/2025/02/19/rfk-jr-maha-call-for-reform-fda-gras-rule-generally-recognized-as-safe/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9PUc7ROWuAykVlckizVj9JIOq26MpCfzNATTNkV6WeVmZySzCJ-gHkwtrVb7ti9CxB1935Iv4q9DK3NIDfSlzVgjjIOw&_hsmi=347947065&utm_content=347947065&utm_source=hs_email As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. takes over as HHS secretary, one of his specific targets is an exemption that’s long allowed food manufacturers to introduce new additives without first getting approval from the FDA. The loophole, known as “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS, has long been criticized by MAHA folks and their opponents alike. “The whole point of having the FDA Human Foods Program is to protect our foods and make sure the chemicals in our food are safe,” said Thomas Galligan, a scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which opposed Kennedy’s nomination. “The FDA abdicated its responsibility and handed it over to industry.” But the consensus that this loophole needs to be closed doesn’t mean it’s an easy task. Read more from STAT’s Sarah Todd and Lizzy Lawrence about the history of GRAS and what stronger oversight could look like.