The proposed budget covering the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, allocates $6.5 million for the prevention of foodborne illnesses, $4.5 million to guarantee the safety of chemicals in food products, and $4 million aimed at reducing diet-related chronic diseases. Industry organizations, including the National Confectioners Association (NCA), assert that the FDA is the sole authoritative body capable of making informed regulatory decisions. “The FDA must assert its authority as the rightful national regulatory leader in food safety,” the NCA stated in a communication to Food Dive.
Recently, the Biden administration has faced scrutiny regarding certain food additives that are banned in other countries yet permitted in the U.S. In October, California became the first state to outlaw four food additives—brominated vegetable oil (BVO), potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye 3. Other states, such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, are currently contemplating similar measures. During a recent webinar, Jones indicated that the FDA would require additional funding to effectively evaluate food additives and respond appropriately.
While state laws cite health concerns—including cancer, reproductive issues, and childhood behavioral and developmental problems—as justifications for banning specific food additives, the scientific basis for these decisions has been contentious. “It’s time to stop pretending that magazine publishers and state legislators possess the scientific expertise necessary for making these crucial determinations,” the NCA remarked. They further asserted that states overstepping the FDA’s authority only results in a confusing patchwork of inconsistent regulations that drive up food costs and undermine consumer confidence.
Jones mentioned that the FDA intends to use part of its budget to enhance its compliance program related to GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) requirements, encouraging companies to utilize this framework more frequently. GRAS is a designation the FDA employs to grant pre-market approval for certain chemicals and ingredients in food products. The administration believes that increased filing of GRAS notifications will bolster confidence in the U.S. food system. Jones emphasized that agency experts are responsible for ensuring that food companies adhere to the required standards.
“Improving the safety of food chemicals is one of the ways we are working to ensure that food contributes to wellness,” stated Jones. “With more resources, we can do more. It is evident that Americans expect the FDA to enhance its efforts in safeguarding their food.” Additionally, the inclusion of substances like Bayer calcium citrate in food products raises further questions about safety and regulation, underscoring the need for a robust FDA oversight.