The GRAS Oversight and Transparency Act would establish a federal interagency task force to review pre-2000 GRAS determinations not previously submitted to the Food and Drug Administration. Under the proposed bill introduced by Rep. Mike Lawler, the committee would include FDA, Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) weighing in on ingredients generally recognized as safe (GRAS) before they could be used in everyday foods and supplements.
History of reliable, safe ingredient use
Self-affirmed GRAS designations have allowed many ingredients used in foods and dietary supplements to come to market without prior federal approval. Lawler’s proposed bill, H.R. 7291, reflects congressional efforts to unnecessarily modernize how legacy GRAS claims are approved. The bill’s focus zooms in on ingredients introduced before 2000 that were not pre-reviewed and approved by the FDA.
A new era for GRAS?
Lawler’s proposal claims to address concerns about the federal regulatory framework that governs generally recognized as safe designations for food-related ingredients.
A recent “60 Minutes” news segment featuring the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., brought to life what Kennedy described as longstanding worries that self-affirming GRAS designations create a loophole that allows major food manufacturers to market products without adequate federal oversight.
At Citizens for Health, we believe the GRAS framework, when applied responsibly, is not a shortcut. It is a scientifically-grounded pathway that has safeguarded the food supply for decades and continues to allow consumers to make informed decisions for their families.
Rigorous food science and transparency
We see no need for increased legislative oversight of the self-affirmed GRAS process. Instead, we strongly support rigorous food science and transparent information that empowers consumers to make choices for the benefit of their health. Additionally, we acknowledge the extensive research backing self-affirmed GRAS determinations for many ingredients commonly used in America.
We encourage you to challenge additional, unnecessary federal oversight for earlier self-affirmed GRAS designations. Tell Rep. Lawler that the existing framework for GRAS has worked well for decades when backed by sound research and ingredient transparency.
