FDA Advances First Post-Market Chemical Review Program; Bakers Will Be Hit Hard
The FDA on May 15 announced it’s trying to create its first proactive post-market review for food chemicals. The announcement specified BHT, BHA, ADA, phthalates, propylparaben and titanium dioxide.
The agency called it “a stronger, more systematic review process for food chemicals already on the market—especially those that concern consumers most.” Until now, the FDA reviews chemicals already on the market only in response to citizen petitions or new scientific evidence, not of its own volition.
Over the coming months, the agency will roll out several actions:
- A modernized, evidence-based prioritization scheme for reviewing existing chemicals. A draft will be released for public comment soon.
- A final, systematic post-market review process shaped by stakeholder input.
- An updated list of chemicals under review, including BHT, BHA and ADA. The FDA will also take steps to expedite its review of chemicals currently under review like phthalates, propylparaben and titanium dioxide.
“Until now, the FDA has conducted post-market reviews on a case-by-case basis, often in response to citizen petitions or new scientific evidence,” the announcement said. “This new framework will be proactive, science-based and built for long-term impact. Americans are demanding more transparency and accountability around food safety and the FDA is doing just that.”
The hit list could hit bakers especially hard.
ADA (azodicarbonamide) is a chemical foaming agent used in both plastics and baked goods. BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is used as a preservative and antioxidant. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) is a synthetic antioxidant, preservative, and stabilizer.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used as plasticizers in packaging. Propylparaben is a preservative often found in baked goods like tortillas, pastries and cakes. It also appears in packaged snacks like chips and trail mix, as well as condiments and sauces. Titanium dioxide is used to brighten and especially to whiten the appearance of food.
“We are prioritizing our resources and leveraging gold standard science to create, for the first time, a systematic post-market review program that consumers can trust and rely on,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. “Only by improving the safety and transparency of the food supply and ensuring consumers can make healthful food choices will we overcome the long-standing trajectory of chronic diseases.”
This post-market review effort is part of a larger initiative to improve food chemical oversight. Last month, the FDA announced it was seeking the food & beverage industry’s voluntary phase-out of six petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the food supply. Earlier this year, the agency said it’s seeking to eliminate the process that allows companies to self-affirm substances as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) without FDA oversight.
