GRAS Act

This bill would tighten how food chemicals are reviewed for safety. It would end the automatic “GRAS” loophole and update the definition so “generally recognized as safe” means proven safe for the intended use. Companies would have to tell the FDA before they use a substance as GRAS and may only use it after the FDA issues a written “no objection” decision. Notices and supporting data would be posted online, with at least 60 days for public comment. The FDA must decide within 180 days, with one possible 90‑day extension. If evidence is weak, experts have conflicts of interest, or safety isn’t shown, the FDA must object. The FDA could later revoke a past “no objection” if new safety concerns arise. Violations can bring civil fines .

The FDA would also have to regularly recheck food chemicals. Within three years, and at least every three years after that, it must reassess the safety of at least 10 items, including food additives, chemicals treated as GRAS, color additives, prior‑sanctioned substances, and food‑contact materials. Companies can be required to submit new safety evaluations, including data on exposure, cumulative effects, and whether the weight of evidence shows no cancer, reproductive harm, or developmental harm, including from endocrine effects. Fees would help fund these reviews and the GRAS notice process .

• Who is affected: Food and ingredient makers; the FDA; consumers who rely on safe foods.
• What changes: Notify FDA before using GRAS substances; wait for FDA “no objection”; public posting and comments; routine safety reassessments; possible revocations; fines for violations; added fees to support the work .
• When: New GRAS notices apply to new uses after enactment; reassessments begin within three years and recur at least every three years .