On August 10, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a policy proposal that would require food manufacturers, such as Pepsi and Nestle, to inform the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when they determine an ingredient is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve transparency in the food supply, especially in light of recent foodborne illness outbreaks, including those linked to shredded iceberg lettuce. HHS Secretary Robert F.
Kennedy Jr. emphasized the need for reform, noting that nearly 60% of the American diet consists of ultra-processed foods, which contribute to health issues like childhood obesity. The proposed rule does not establish a premarket approval system for GRAS substances but aims to enhance the FDA's visibility into food ingredients.
This could be significant as the government seeks to define ultra-processed foods, a category that includes many items with GRAS ingredients. The proposal is currently open for public comment and will undergo the federal rulemaking process before any requirements are implemented