HHS and USDA Announce Landmark Food Policy Reforms, Including Mandatory FDA Notification for GRAS Substances and Proposed Ultra-Processed Foods Definition

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled two significant actions to modernize federal food oversight. HHS proposed a rule requiring manufacturers to notify the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when a substance is deemed "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS), aiming for increased transparency and stronger FDA oversight. Additionally, the agencies submitted the federal government's first proposed definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) for final review, in an effort to combat the chronic disease epidemic and provide a stronger scientific foundation for future nutrition policy.