The Unreviewed Food Chemicals Crisis Unfolds

In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through the food safety community, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has uncovered a major gap in U.S. food regulation. Their March 2026 report details how over 100 food chemicals—many labeled as 'secret GRAS'—have been added to everyday products without any notification to or safety review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These substances, self-determined as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by companies, bypass the rigorous pre-market approval process required for traditional food additives. The implications are profound for public health, as consumers unknowingly ingest concentrated extracts and novel ingredients with unverified long-term safety profiles.

GRAS, established in 1958 under the Food Additives Amendment, was originally meant for common substances like salt or vinegar—ingredients with a long history of safe use. However, the system's voluntary notification loophole has allowed manufacturers to introduce thousands of new chemicals since 2000, with 99% avoiding FDA scrutiny. EWG's analysis of FDA records and the USDA Branded Foods Database revealed 111 such secret GRAS determinations, 49 of which appear in thousands of grocery items from cereals to energy bars.

This crisis highlights a regulatory blind spot where industry self-regulation trumps independent oversight, raising questions about transparency and accountability in America's food supply.

Decoding GRAS: From Safety Net to Regulatory Loophole

The GRAS designation allows food companies to deem a substance safe based on scientific procedures or historical use, without mandatory FDA pre-approval. To qualify, companies must provide evidence of 'reasonable certainty of no harm' from qualified experts, considering intended use levels, exposure, and interactions. Since 1997, a voluntary notification system exists, but firms can self-affirm GRAS secretly by not submitting—and even withdraw notices if FDA objects.

This step-by-step process works as follows:

• Company conducts or commissions safety studies (often unpublished).
• Expert panel reviews data.
• If deemed GRAS, it's added to food—no FDA notice required.
• FDA learns only post-market, if at all, via adverse events.

Critics, including university food law experts, argue this creates conflicts of interest, as panels may include industry-funded scientists. Harvard Law School's Food Law and Policy Clinic director Emily Broad Leib notes, 'This report makes clear that the public and regulators are flying blind... We need urgent reform.'

Between 2000 and 2024, only 863 notifications were filed, with FDA approving just 7 via full review—99% slipped through the secret path.

EWG's Deep Dive: 111 Secret Chemicals Exposed

EWG scoured FDA GRAS inventories, company claims, and USDA data to compile a master list of 111 undisclosed substances, updated February 2026. These span plant extracts, supplements, and alternative proteins. Notably, 49 are in ~4,000 products, per USDA.

Key examples include:

• Teavigo® green tea extract (DSM): 901 products like energy bars, yogurt, ice cream.
• Qmatrix® aloe vera (Aloecorp): 457 juices, sodas, teas.
• Realturkeytail™ mushroom extract (Nammex): 428 coffees, snacks, soups.
• Svetol® green coffee bean extract (Naturex): 156 supplements, drinks.
• Cinsulin cinnamon extract (Cina): 104 honeys, cereals.

Full list available here.

Health Risks: Beyond 'Natural' Labels

While not all pose immediate dangers, concentrated extracts differ from whole foods. Rutgers University research shows green tea extract's EGCG causes liver injury in genetically susceptible individuals, with over 100 cases reported. Studies from NIH and others link high EGCG doses to hepatotoxicity in animals and humans.

Aloe vera, FDA-banned in laxatives (2002) for cancer risks, inner leaf extracts may harm kidneys. Mushroom extracts risk allergies, hallucinations (one banned 2024). Tufts' Maricel Maffini warns, 'These are new substances... tested as cocktails.'

Cumulative effects in ultra-processed foods amplify concerns, per Harvard's Pieter Cohen.

The Tara Flour Outbreak: A Wake-Up Call

In 2022, Daily Harvest's lentil crumbles with self-affirmed GRAS tara flour sickened ~400, hospitalizing 113 with liver/gallbladder issues. FDA removed it from GRAS after 2 years, but not before harm. Harvard's Cohen calls the system 'broken,' noting reactive FDA action.

University Experts Demand Change

Leading academics are vocal. Harvard's Pieter Cohen highlights GRAS dangers in NEJM, urging proactive FDA review. Tufts alumna Maricel Maffini, EWG co-author, stresses unpublished data secrecy. Harvard Law's Emily Broad Leib pushes for transparency, citing state bans. For aspiring food safety researchers, explore careers at higher-ed research jobs.

FDA's 2026 Agenda and Ongoing Reforms

FDA's Human Foods Program 2026 priorities include reviewing BHA/BHT, propylparaben amid safety concerns. HHS explores GRAS rulemaking. Yet, experts say more needed.FDA priorities

State Actions and Legislative Momentum

Over 30 states introduced bans on harmful additives in 2025; 6 enacted laws. California, New York lead.

Toward Safer Foods: Proposed Solutions

• Mandate FDA notification for all GRAS.
• Independent expert panels, public data.
• Post-market surveillance boost.
• Close withdrawal loophole.

EWG urges Congress to act.

Empowering Consumers: Practical Steps

Opt for whole foods, read labels for extracts. Support reform via EWG petitions. Food toxicology careers growing—check higher ed career advice.

Photo by Christian Hergesell on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Restoring Trust in Our Food Supply

With university-led research and advocacy, reforms could close the GRAS loophole, ensuring science-driven safety. Explore rate my professor for toxicology experts, higher ed jobs in food science, career advice, university jobs, or post a job to build the next generation of researchers.