In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to legal expert Brian P. Sylvester, J.D. about the rapidly evolving U.S. food regulatory landscape under the MAHA movement, and how food companies can prepare for state and federal policy changes regarding food dyes, GRAS ingredients, ultra-processed foods, and other areas.
Posted to the Unified Agenda in September, FDA’s developing proposed rule to tighten Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) oversight has been sent to the White House for review—the final step before publication.
As part of the EU authorization procedure for a new food additive application, EFSA conducted a risk assessment for jagua (genipin-glycine) blue, which concluded no safety concern and established an acceptable daily intake (ADI). The fruit-derived food dye is already permitted in the U.S.
The 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48) has adopted and revised various standards, including new maximum levels for lead in cinnamon and dried herbs, the first international standard for fresh dates, updated food additives provisions, and other standards.
Food industry representatives and consumer advocacy groups have shared their comments, which are varied in opinion, submitted in response to FDA and USDA’s joint request for information to support a federal definition for ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
Following the formation of a food industry-backed lobbyist group with the goal of stopping state-level food additives restrictions, 84 consumer protection and public health organizations have signed a letter urging Congress to oppose such efforts.
Americans for Ingredient Transparency (AFIT) is campaigning for federal action to “correct a maze of state-by-state-laws” that restrict or prohibit the use of colorants, additives, and ingredients in foods. AFIT is backed by many of the largest food industry associations and companies, some of which have made voluntary commitments to phase out food dyes or other additives.
The International Association of Color Manufacturers has filed a lawsuit against the recently enacted West Virginia House Bill 2354, which prohibits foods containing certain artificial colorants and additives from being sold in the state, arguing that it is unconstitutional and unlawful.
Assembly Bill (AB) 1264, titled, the Real Food, Healthy Kids Act, establishes a legal definition for ultra-processed foods, and tasks the state Department of Public Health with identifying and banning particularly harmful ultra-processed foods from California schools.
Walmart is the latest company to say it will remove synthetic dyes from its private-label food brands, as well as 30 other additives, including certain preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and fat substitutes.
