FDA Plans to Eliminate Self-Affirmed GRAS, Citing Health Risks

Proposed rule changes target transparency in food safety and could reshape CPG compliance.

Pathogens can stem from inadequately sanitized surfaces, processing equipment, or illness in food workers.
Pathogens can stem from inadequately sanitized surfaces, processing equipment, or illness in food workers.
Natalia Lebedinskaia via Getty Images

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking to ban the practice that allows companies to self-certify food ingredients as safe.

Citing transparency and public health concerns, the FDA has proposed revising the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) Final Rule to eliminate self-affirmed designations.

The agency proposes updating the list of reviewed chemicals and introducing a “systematic post-market review process.” While details remain sparse, the changes could significantly affect how CPGs manage ingredient compliance. 

Known food safety issues 

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