HHS Announces Landmark Food Policy Reforms, Including Proposed Rule for GRAS Substances and Ultra-Processed Food Definition

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced two significant actions to modernize federal food oversight. This includes a proposed rule from the FDA requiring manufacturers to notify the agency when a substance is deemed 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) for food use. Additionally, HHS, alongside the USDA, submitted the federal government's first proposed definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) for final review, aiming to establish a stronger scientific basis for future nutrition policy.