FDA may allow some toxic chemicals to be added to food without safety review. Experts are alarmed
Regulator looks to expand loophole to allow dangerous compounds in food as long as they’re not carcinogenic
TL;DR
- The FDA proposes expanding the 'threshold of regulation' (TOR) exemption, which currently allows certain chemicals in food contact materials without review.
- The expansion would permit dangerous compounds to be added directly to food as ingredients without a safety review.
- Advocates argue that many chemicals, including hormone disruptors, are harmful at levels far below current exemption limits.
- The move follows claims by Robert F Kennedy Jr and the FDA of closing the 'generally regarded as safe' (Gras) loophole, which critics say is undermined by the TOR expansion.
- Concerns include chemicals like perchlorate, phthalates, bisphenols, PFAS, and flame retardants, which can cause harm even if not classified as carcinogenic.
- The proposal does not account for cumulative effects of multiple low-dose toxic chemicals or secondary loopholes for carcinogens created as impurities.
- A past incident involving perchlorate in children's cereal, permitted via a TOR exemption, highlights the potential risks.
- Critics accuse the FDA of using flawed science and ignoring endocrine system harms in regulatory decisions.
- The expansion is seen by some as indicative of an administration less inclined towards regulation.