Alarm Over Food Chemicals Drives Calls for Reform in Congress

WASHINGTON — Growing concern over chemicals in the U.S. food supply is fueling calls in Congress for tighter oversight, with lawmakers warning that regulatory gaps and unclear labeling have left consumers uncertain about what they are eating.

At a legislative hearing, members reviewed several bills aimed at improving transparency, strengthening the Food and Drug Administration and updating decades-old food safety rules.

Rep. Morgan Griffith said the debate comes as chronic diseases linked to diet continue to rise. He said “many complex chemicals are now considered generally recognised as safe” despite not going through formal FDA approval.

The “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS, system became a central focus of the hearing. Created in 1958, the system was originally intended for common ingredients but now covers a broad range of substances that can enter the food supply without direct federal review.

Democrats called for stronger oversight. Ranking member Diana DeGette said the government “does not know how many ingredients there are in American food,” adding that consumers are left to interpret labels on their own.

Public health advocates also urged reform. Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group said, “nearly 99% of new food chemicals… have been approved for safety by the food chemical companies, not by the FDA.”

He called on lawmakers to require FDA review of all new additives and to reassess chemicals already in use.

Industry representatives warned against a patchwork of state regulations. Grocery executive Joseph Colalillo said varying state standards would raise costs and disrupt supply chains.

“If we would have to have nine different formulas… either they’re going to go away… or they’re going to get more expensive for the consumer,” Colalillo said.

He said retailers could face higher warehousing, transportation and compliance costs, which would likely be passed on to shoppers.

Lawmakers from both parties said clearer labeling is needed. Proposals discussed at the hearing included standardizing date labels, improving allergen disclosures and requiring clearer information on additives and caffeine.

State officials pointed to problems in coordination between federal and state agencies. Steven Mandernach of the Association of Food and Drug Officials said delays in information-sharing can slow responses to food safety incidents.

He cited an infant formula recall in which state inspectors found recalled products still on shelves but could not quickly access federal distribution data, calling the delay “inefficient and ineffective.”

The hearing also highlighted disagreement over the role of states. Republicans pushed for a single national standard to ensure consistency, while Democrats said states have stepped in when federal oversight has lagged.

Rep. Brett Guthrie said the goal is to “strengthen consumer confidence” while avoiding policies that increase costs or disrupt the food system.

Lawmakers also raised concerns about FDA capacity, saying staffing cuts and limited resources have affected inspections, chemical reviews and enforcement.

The bills under consideration include reforms to the GRAS system, stronger allergen labeling, tighter oversight of infant formula and improved coordination among agencies.

The debate comes as concern grows over ultra-processed foods and additives linked to obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases. The Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010 was the last major overhaul of U.S. food safety law, shifting the system toward prevention. Lawmakers said further updates are needed as the food system evolves and the number of additives increases. (Source: IANS)