Agency's former leader takes steps to assess the FDA's dedication towards America's health enhancement
Former FDA Commissioner Proposes Revolutionary Change to Food Industry
Dr. David Kessler, the former head of the US Food and Drug Administration, has filed a petition to challenge the Trump administration's commitment to "Make America Healthy Again" by proposing to declare certain sweeteners, refined flours, and additives not "generally recognized as safe."
The petition, if accepted, would reshape the food industry by asking the FDA to revoke the food safety status of processed refined carbohydrates, including refined flours, sugars, and additives in ultra-processed foods (UPFs). This move challenges the current regulatory stance and could potentially exclude the majority of foods on our grocery shelves.
Dr. Kessler's focus is on food additives that make inexpensive, high-volume, industrially processed foods more addictive and flavorful. The petition lays out a legal pathway for the FDA to regulate sweeteners, refined flours, and food additives commonly found in UPFs, aiming to force companies to rethink how they formulate foods so that they are healthier and less injurious to health.
If the FDA removes the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designation, manufacturers of ultraprocessed foods would be forced to remove products from the market, reformulate recipes, or prove that those ingredients are not harmful. This approach draws parallels to tobacco regulation efforts Kessler previously oversaw and highlights the potential large-scale public health benefits of such regulatory intervention.
Several food and nutrition experts have heralded Kessler's petition as a bold move that could reshape the food industry if enacted by the FDA. Barry Popkin, the W. R. Kenan, Jr. Distinguished Professor, called Kessler's petition "a brilliant move" and stated that it puts industry in a real bind, requiring them to show that carbohydrates and additives are healthy and do not hurt health.
The petition lands as Trump administration officials, led by Kennedy, prepare to release their second MAHA report, which is expected to lay out proposed policy changes. Kessler's petition could put pressure on the federal health officials' timeline to define ultraprocessed foods and eventually set up new regulations.
The term "ultra-processed foods" has resonated with the public, but it will be challenging to define, legally, what's in it. Michael Taylor, a former FDA food regulator and current co-chair of the nonprofit STOP Foodborne Illness, also supported Kessler's move, stating that it's using the GRAS tool to drive a serious safety conversation.
The FDA allowed these ingredients under GRAS regulations four decades ago, and rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease have climbed in the years since. A 2022 analysis conducted by the Environmental Working Group found that nearly 99% of new chemicals used in food or food packaging since 2000 were green-lit for use not by the FDA but by the food and chemical industry.
The second MAHA report is due by Tuesday. If these additives are removed from industry, the foods won't be as addictive, flavorful, or tasty, according to Christopher Gardner, director of nutrition studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center.
This bold move by Dr. Kessler could mark a significant shift in the food industry, promoting healthier products and potentially reducing the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in America, especially among children and teenagers.
[1] [New York Times article link] [2] [NPR article link] [3] [Washington Post article link]
- The former FDA Commissioner, Dr. David Kessler, proposed a challenge to the Trump administration's 'Make America Healthy Again' policy.
- Kessler's petition seeks to declare certain sweeteners, refined flours, and additives not 'generally recognized as safe'.
- If accepted, the petition could reshape the food industry by revoking the food safety status of processed refined carbohydrates.
- The focus is on food additives that make processed foods more addictive and flavorful.
- The petition aims to force companies to rethink food formulation for healthier options.
- If the FDA removes the GRAS designation, manufacturers of ultraprocessed foods would need to remove products, reformulate recipes, or prove safety.
- Kessler's approach parallels his tobacco regulation efforts and could have significant public health benefits.
- Experts hail Kessler's petition as a bold move that could reshape the food industry.
- The FDA allowed these ingredients under GRAS regulations four decades ago.
- Rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease have climbed since the GRAS regulations were implemented.
- A 2022 analysis found that nearly 99% of new food and packaging chemicals were approved by the industry, not the FDA.
- The second MAHA report is due on Tuesday.
- If these additives are removed, foods will no longer be as addictive or flavorful.
- This move could lead to healthier products and reduce obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Healthier choices could particularly benefit children and teenagers.
- Online news outlets like the New York Times, NPR, and Washington Post have covered this story extensively.
- Proposed policy changes in the second MAHA report are expected to be released by Trump administration officials.
- These policy changes could potentially set up new regulations for ultraprocessed foods.
- The term 'ultra-processed foods' is gaining public resonance, but its legal definition remains challenging.
- This move could invite scrutiny and regulation in other industries, such as science and technology.
- Education and self-development platforms could see a rise in popularity as people seek to improve their health and lifestyle.
- Migrants may face increased challenges in adapting to new foods without access to familiar ingredients.
- Learning to cook healthy meals can be a vital skill for personal growth and productivity.
- Studies show that a healthy diet can lead to increased focus, productivity, and overall well-being.
- Mindfulness practices can aid in goal-setting and lifelong learning, particularly when combined with healthy eating and exercise.
- War and conflicts in various parts of the world create food security concerns, affecting the health and wellness of those affected.
- Policies on food aid, agriculture, and trade can have lasting impacts on food availability, nutrition, and health, locally and globally.
