FDA is applauding Consumer Brands Association’s (CBA’s) voluntary commitment to encourage U.S. food producers to remove artificial colorants from foods sold in schools by the start of the 2026–2027 school year. CBA said that, while these ingredients are “safe” and “supported by scientific evidence,” the food industry “recognizes preferences are evolving.”
After a nine-month delay, Series 2 of FDA’s and the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness’ joint Food Safety Culture Webinar Series will kick off in September.
The Ensuring Safe and Toxic-Free Foods Act of 2025 would set stricter requirements for manufactures to decide a food ingredient is “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS). It also sets an annual quota of GRAS notices for FDA to review, and lays the groundwork for a systematic chemical reassessment process.
In response to FDA’s “Deregulatory Plan,” FMI—The Food Industry Association is urging FDA to make revisions to the “burdensome” Food Traceability Final Rule/FSMA 204, which FDA has already delayed by 30 months.
As part of its “Deregulatory Plan,” FDA is revoking, or will revoke, 52 “obsolete and unnecessary” food Standards of Identity (SOIs) for canned fruits and vegetables, dairy products, baked goods, macaroni products, and other foods. FDA published a direct final rule and two proposed final rules on the subject.
FDA has shared concern about the growing number of edible products containing kratom available for sale online and at retailers like gas stations and smoke shops across the U.S. It has issued warning letters to seven companies for illegally marketing gummies, drinks, and tablets containing the kratom-derived concentrate 7-OH, a “novel, potent opioid.”
The Senate Committee on Appropriations has approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which would restore some FDA funding and address some effects of the Trump Administration on the agency.
Following FDA’s announcement of its intent to end the use of artificial food colorants—largely by relying on voluntary action by industry—the agency has authorized a fourth petition for a naturally sourced food dye, Gardenia Blue. FDA is also reminding industry that even “natural” colorants must be approved by the agency.
U.S. Representatives have reintroduced the Food Chemical Reassessment Act of 2025 to Congress, which would require FDA to reevaluate the safety of chemicals—including “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) substances, food dyes, and food contact substances—every three years.
FDA has outlined a list of actions it intends to take to improve the timeliness and transparency of food product recalls. The agency specifically called on the infant formula and baby food industry to cooperate in “creating a collaborative transformation in how we manage and communicate food recalls.”
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