Deleting Self-Affirmed GRAS Option Could Stretch FDA’s Already Thin Food Safety Resources

FDA introduced the option because it didn’t have sufficient staff to handle the volume of GRAS submission reviews requested by food and other firms for ingredients. Requiring submissions for all GRAS determinations “would just be an unworkable situation for the food industry if somehow submitting notice, submitting notices for FDA review and concurrence, was required,” says food and drug attorney Federick Stearns.

(Source: Shutterstock)

Deep cuts to federal agency staffing could be at odds with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s push to eliminate allowing firms to self-affirm food ingredients as generally recognized as safe without disclosing their research to the agency.

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on HBW Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Compliance

Accelerating Natural Options Among US FDA’s Steps For Removing Petroleum-Based Food Dyes

 

HHS Secretary Kennedy commends food companies for cooperating, but also says, “We have them on the run now and we are going to win this battle. And four years from now, we're going to have most of these products off the market.”

Deleting Self-Affirmed GRAS Option Could Stretch FDA’s Already Thin Food Safety Resources

 

FDA introduced the option because it didn’t have sufficient staff to handle the volume of GRAS submission reviews requested by food and other firms for ingredients. Requiring submissions for all GRAS determinations “would just be an unworkable situation for the food industry if somehow submitting notice, submitting notices for FDA review and concurrence, was required,” says food and drug attorney Federick Stearns.

Traceability Rule Compliance Extended For Providers Of Herbals, Other Food Ingredients

 

FDA says “extension affords covered entities the additional time necessary to ensure complete coordination across the supply chain in order to fully implement the final rule’s requirements—ultimately providing FDA and consumers with greater transparency and food safety.”

PAGB Launches E-Learning Platform Including CBD ‘Deep Dive’

 
• By 

UK industry association is offering online courses on subjects ranging from UK medicines regulations basics to deep dives on complex topics such as CBD.

More from HBW Insight

Astaxanthin Specialist AstaReal Diversifies With Garlic Supplement For Heart Health

 
• By 

Swedish producer of antioxidant astaxanthin AstaReal has expanded its product offering with cardiovascular health focused-brand Kyolic.

Little Industry Opposition To FDA Plan To Remove Synthetic Dyes, Or Agreement They’re Unsafe

 

Dyes and colors which FDA says industries agree should no longer be used aren’t unsafe and are currently used only with the agency’s approval, industry stakeholders say. Center for Science in the Public Interest says the dyes are used “in tens of thousands of foods and beverages that are commonly consumed here in the United States.”

NAD Refers Men’s Hair Color Brand To FTC For Non-Compliance With Fast-Track SWIFT Decision

 

Plano, Texas-based Simpler Hair Color Inc. may face FTC enforcement action after it failed to comply with the National Advertising Division’s recommendations it discontinue the claim, “Rated #1 Men’s Hair Color,” associated with a consumer review website.