HHS Proposes Mandatory FDA Notification for GRAS Substances and New Ultra-Processed Food Definition

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced two significant actions to modernize federal oversight of food ingredients and establish a stronger scientific foundation for nutrition policy. HHS proposed a rule requiring manufacturers to notify the FDA when concluding that a substance added to food is 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS). Additionally, HHS, alongside the USDA, submitted for final review the federal government's first proposed definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These reforms aim to increase transparency and strengthen the FDA's ability to oversee ingredients in the food supply.