FDA Increases Oversight on Food Additives and Ultra-Processed Foods to Enhance Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is intensifying its scrutiny of food ingredients and additives, particularly focusing on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) practices. Donald Prater, acting deputy commissioner for food, announced these efforts at the IFT First 2026 event in Chicago. The FDA aims to reform current regulations to better regulate food safety and increase transparency about substances in the U.S. food supply. This includes a rigorous review of food additives and a plan to remove petroleum-based dyes from foods, replacing them with natural alternatives. The FDA's initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce diet-related chronic diseases by empowering consumers with better information and ensuring the safety of food chemicals. 
