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RFK Jr. Proposes Increased FDA Oversight on Food Ingredients, Potential $210 Million Cost

RFK Jr. Proposes Increased FDA Oversight on Food Ingredients, Potential $210 Million Cost

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed a new federal rule to increase FDA oversight on food additives, aiming to close the 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) loophole. This rule would require companies to notify the FDA of new food ingredients and justify their safety determinations. The FDA estimates the rule could cost up to $210 million over ten years, impacting small businesses significantly. The proposal is part of Kennedy's broader initiative to 'Make America Healthy Again.'

Senators Introduce Food Labeling Modernization Act to Enhance Consumer Information

Senators Introduce Food Labeling Modernization Act to Enhance Consumer Information

Senators Richard Blumenthal and Cory Booker have introduced the Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2026, aiming to overhaul food labeling standards in the U.S. This Senate bill complements a House version introduced by Representatives Frank Pallone Jr. and Rosa DeLauro. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a standardized front-of-package nutrition labeling system, require warning labels for foods high in added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat, and define 'ultraprocessed' foods in federal law. The bill addresses gaps in current labeling practices, particularly for online grocery shopping, and aims to provide clearer, more accessible nutrition information to consumers.

RFK Jr. Proposes Rule to Address GRAS Additive Loophole Amid Criticism

RFK Jr. Proposes Rule to Address GRAS Additive Loophole Amid Criticism

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed a rule requiring manufacturers to notify the FDA when they deem food additives as 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS). This move aims to address a loophole that critics say has allowed thousands of unstudied chemicals into the food supply. While the proposal mandates public notification, it does not prevent companies from self-affirming the safety of new ingredients, leading to criticism that the rule does not go far enough in ensuring food safety.

FDA Mandates Notification of Food Additives to Enhance Transparency

FDA Mandates Notification of Food Additives to Enhance Transparency

The Department of Health and Human Services has announced a new initiative requiring companies to notify the FDA about additives in the U.S. food supply. This move aims to catalog substances deemed 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) and make this information publicly accessible. While existing additives won't need to prove safety, the notification will help the FDA and researchers identify potentially harmful chemicals. This policy change addresses long-standing concerns about the lack of oversight in food additives, a point emphasized by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has criticized the GRAS loophole for allowing unvetted chemicals into the food supply.

FDA Proposes New Rules for Food Additives to Enhance Safety Oversight

FDA Proposes New Rules for Food Additives to Enhance Safety Oversight

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a rule change requiring food manufacturers to notify regulators before introducing new ingredients or additives. This proposal aims to close a regulatory loophole that has allowed many unvetted ingredients into the U.S. food supply. Currently, companies can self-determine if an ingredient is 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) without notifying the FDA. The new rule would mandate companies to submit safety documentation, allowing the FDA to review potential risks.

FDA Proposes Rule to Close Loophole in Food Additive Regulation

FDA Proposes Rule to Close Loophole in Food Additive Regulation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a rule requiring food manufacturers to notify the agency when using ingredients generally recognized as safe (GRAS). This move aims to close a loophole that allows manufacturers to add certain chemicals to products without notifying regulators. The proposal is part of broader efforts to promote healthier diets and crack down on ultraprocessed foods. The rule is currently open for industry and public comment, with the FDA seeking to enhance oversight and consumer safety.

Taylor Farms Recalls Salsa and Guacamole Due to Salmonella Concerns

Taylor Farms Recalls Salsa and Guacamole Due to Salmonella Concerns

Taylor Farms has issued a recall for prepared food items containing jalapeños, including salsas and guacamole, sold at major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Whole Foods across approximately 20 states. This recall follows a notification from Coast Citrus Distributors about potential salmonella contamination in the fresh peppers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA are investigating the outbreak, which has affected 345 people across 27 states, resulting in 36 hospitalizations. Taylor Farms has ceased sourcing from the implicated farmer in Sinaloa, Mexico, and is conducting a safety review.

Taylor Farms Issues Recall of Jalapeño Products in 26 States Over Salmonella Concerns

Taylor Farms Issues Recall of Jalapeño Products in 26 States Over Salmonella Concerns

Taylor Farms has announced a voluntary recall of jalapeño products distributed to 26 U.S. states due to a potential salmonella outbreak. The recall affects prepared foods sold at major grocery chains such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Walmart. The jalapeños, sourced from Coast Citrus Distributors, have been linked to a multi-state outbreak. Taylor Farms is collaborating with federal health officials to investigate the source, identified as a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico. Consumers are advised to discard the products and seek refunds. The recall also includes a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing jalapeños.

FDA Proposes Changes to GRAS Rule, Raising Concerns Over Legal Challenges

FDA Proposes Changes to GRAS Rule, Raising Concerns Over Legal Challenges

FDA Proposes Changes to GRAS Rule, Raising Concerns Over Legal Challenges

FSIS Issues Health Alert for Meat and Poultry Products Due to Salmonella Risk in Jalapeños

FSIS Issues Health Alert for Meat and Poultry Products Due to Salmonella Risk in Jalapeños

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert concerning meat and poultry products that contain FDA-regulated jalapeños potentially contaminated with Salmonella. This alert follows the FDA's notification to FSIS about the recall of the jalapeños, which were distributed to multiple FSIS-regulated establishments. Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, a common bacterial foodborne illness with symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. While no illnesses have been reported from the consumption of these products, FSIS advises consumers and retailers to discard or return the affected products. The alert aims to prevent potential health risks associated with the contaminated ingredient.

Arizona Republic

Is it safe to eat lettuce? What Arizonans must know about cyclospora

Is it safe to eat lettuce? What Arizonans must know about cyclospora

Maricopa County has reported 43 confirmed cases of the cyclospora outbreak in Arizona. Here is what not to eat and to avoid.

Taylor Farms Recall Highlights Salmonella Concerns in Food Supply

Taylor Farms Recall Highlights Salmonella Concerns in Food Supply

Taylor Farms has issued a recall for salsa and guacamole products sold at major retailers like Walmart and Kroger due to potential salmonella contamination. This recall is part of a broader investigation into a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are involved in the investigation, which has affected hundreds of people across the United States. The recall has prompted increased vigilance from both consumers and retailers.