RFK Jr. plans to abolish GRAS food safety standards

In the United States, on March 21, 2025, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a significant announcement regarding food safety standards. He revealed his plan to eliminate the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) standards for most domestic products. This decision follows a review process, which Kennedy stated was necessary due to the corruption he associates with these standards since their establishment in 1958. The GRAS designation was initially intended for naturally safe foods like flour and eggs, but over time, its interpretation has expanded, allegedly allowing the introduction of numerous untested ingredients into the U.S. food supply. Kennedy's concerns reflect the wider disparity in food safety standards compared to Europe, where only about 400 food additives are approved, whereas the U.S. reportedly has around 10,000, leading to serious public health concerns amid increasing chronic disease rates. Kennedy's reassessment also targets the loophole enabling companies to self-affirm safety without necessary scientific documentation. His directive aims to encourage thorough reviews of existing ingredients to ensure public safety. Furthermore, he pushed back against the trend of delaying new food safety regulations, indicating a commitment to establishing more rigorous food safety protocols. Recent events have also highlighted the challenges facing food safety measures in the U.S. These include delays in implementing tracing systems for contaminated food products and cuts in funding for food inspection programs under the previous Trump administration, which have further strained the FDA's capacity to carry out food safety mandates effectively. The decision comes in a context where previous committee disbandments have limited the federal oversight on food safety. Critics have expressed concern that the rollback of long-standing food safety standards could have dangerous implications for public health and food security. Figures from consumer advocacy groups have denounced the proposed changes as a step backward, potentially increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses and reducing public trust in the food supply system. The urgency of Kennedy's review process indicates a recognition of the critical need to address these longstanding issues in U.S. food safety regulations. Thus, while Kennedy's announcements reflect a desire to improve food safety, the execution and implications of these changes will be closely scrutinized by both industry stakeholders and public health advocates in the coming months, shaping the future of food safety standards in America.