Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is considering a major overhaul of the FDA’s approach to food additives as part of a broader initiative under President-elect Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. This marks the first time a president-elect has spotlighted food additive regulation as a key national health issue. Kennedy’s stance aims to address mounting concerns about the potential risks associated with chemicals in the food supply, a topic gaining increased attention due to several high-profile incidents involving untested ingredients.
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What are Food Additives ?
According to the World Health Organization, substances that are added to food in order to maintain or improve its safety, freshness, taste, texture or appearance are known as food additives.
These food additives have been used for centuries to preserve food. For example salt (in meat, bacon or dried fish), sugar (in marmalade) or sulphur dioxide (in wine).
Food additives can be derived from plants, animals or minerals or they can be synthetic. They are intentionally added to foods, to fulfil certain technological purposes. There are several thousand food additives in use, all of which are designed to perform a specific task, usually to make food more durable or appealing.
Additives serve a wide range of functions in food production. According to EU regulations, there are 26 recognized “technological purposes” for their use. Here are a few key examples:
- Coloring agents – used to enhance or restore the natural color of food products.
- Preservatives – added to extend the shelf life by protecting food from harmful microorganisms.
- Antioxidants – help prevent oxidation, which can cause issues like fat rancidity and color deterioration, thereby prolonging freshness.
- Flour treatment agents – improve the quality of flour or dough, making it more suitable for baking.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Role
Under current federal law, the FDA is responsible for ensuring that all food ingredients are safe. However, a significant loophole exists within this framework: substances deemed “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) can bypass the FDA’s premarket approval process. Initially, this designation was intended for well-known household items like baking soda and spices, but it has evolved into a loophole allowing companies to self-certify the safety of new and potentially risky ingredients without FDA oversight.
For example, in 2021, nearly 400 people fell ill after consuming a ground beef alternative from Daily Harvest. The illness was linked to a novel ingredient, tara flour, imported from Peru. Despite having no published toxicology studies and lacking FDA evaluation, the ingredient was deemed safe by the importing company. This incident highlights the dangers of the current GRAS system, where long-term health risks may go undetected because only immediate symptoms trigger scrutiny.
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A Call for Reform : The Toxic Free Food Act
To address these concerns, Congress introduced the Toxic Free Food Act in 2021. This proposed legislation aims to close the GRAS loophole by requiring companies to notify and secure FDA approval before introducing new additives. By tightening oversight, advocates hope to reduce public exposure to harmful substances in everyday foods.
Among the additives linked to potential health risks are:
- Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA): A preservative associated with endocrine disruption.
- Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC): A thickener that may contribute to digestive issues.
- Polysorbates: Emulsifiers with possible links to gut inflammation.
- Erythritol and Xylitol: Common sweeteners associated with adverse metabolic effects.
- Propyl Paraben: A preservative suspected of disrupting hormone function.
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” Make America Healthy Again ” and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Broader Vision
Kennedy’s crackdown on food additives is part of his broader mission to tackle what he describes as a public health crisis driven by corporate interests in the pharmaceutical and food industries. He has argued that chronic illnesses, ranging from diabetes to autoimmune disorders, are fueled by the unchecked presence of harmful chemicals in food and that federal agencies have historically failed to protect the public.
In pursuit of this vision, Kennedy has proposed reforming federal health agencies to prioritize public safety over corporate profit. His supporters believe these policy changes could significantly reduce the prevalence of chronic disease and shift America toward a healthier future.
By making food safety a central issue, the incoming administration seeks to position itself as a champion of public health reform, potentially reshaping the regulatory landscape and restoring public trust in the FDA’s oversight of the nation’s food supply.
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Which Food Additives are banned in the EU ? Stay informed with InfoCons
The European Union has established a list of food additives that are banned due to safety concerns, with several substances no longer permitted in food products. Among these banned additives is titanium dioxide (E171), which has been deemed unsafe by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following updated safety assessments that raised concerns about its potential genotoxicity. Food manufacturers are required to avoid using these substances, as non-compliance can lead to serious consequences such as product recalls, fines, and damage to a brand’s reputation.
The following are examples of food additives that are banned within the EU:
- Potassium bromate
- Azodicarbonamide
- Brominated vegetable oil (BVO)
- Olestra
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2)
- Sudan dyes
- Auramine O (AO)
- Rhodamine B
- Propylparaben
- Artificial colors (Yellow No. 5, No. 6, Red No. 40)
Under EU legislation, only additives listed in the official regulations can be legally used in food products, and they must adhere to specific usage conditions. These authorized additives and their respective guidelines are detailed in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. The European Commission also provides a searchable database for the public to check which additives are permitted. While these additives are banned in the EU, some, such as BHA and BHT, are still allowed in other countries, like the United States, where the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved their use.
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Food Additives Dictionary – Available in the Global InfoCons App
The Global InfoCons App, developed independently and transparently, provides consumers with a dictionary of specific terminology related to food additives . Thus, when purchasing an agricultural or food product, consumers can “decode” the overly technical and difficult-to-understand terms on the label quickly and easily.
To support consumers, InfoCons, through the Global InfoCons App – specifically the “Search by Terms” section, ensures the “translation” of technical terms related to food additives, such as citric acid, potassium sorbate, and ammonium phosphates. With the Global InfoCons App at their fingertips, consumers can make informed decisions, understanding the meaning of each word.
President-elect Donald Trump raised concerns over food additives – Did you know frozen pizza contains up to 11 additives ?
Based on a study conducted by InfoCons in Romania in 2024, frozen pizza can reach up to 11 additives. From the products which were analyzed, the top 3 most used food additives were:
- E250 – sodium nitrite
- E1422 – modified starch
- E301 – sodium ascorbate
Other than the Global InfoCons App, consumers can stay informed about food additives through the studies done by InfoCons on various food products.
Sources :
The Washington Post
World Health Organization
The European Commission
InfoCons – European Organization for Consumers Protection and Promotion of Programs and Strategies , a full member of the World Organization Consumers International, founding member of the Federation of Consumer Associations, and member of ANEC.