UPFs, GRAS focus of food policy reforms

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UPFs, GRAS focus of food policy reforms

10 Aug 2026

Mari Rydings

Mari Rydings is a versatile content creator, editor and marketer with experience developing dynamic, results-driven materials for B2B and B2C audiences. As the editorial director for Avant Food Media, she leads the day-to-day editorial operations for the company’s print and digital magazines, newsletters and social media platforms. Outside of work, she loves reading, hiking, putting together jigsaw puzzles and spending time with her husband and their twin daughters.

WASHINGTON, DC — As part of its Make American Healthy Again strategy, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) divulged two actions aimed at tightening federal oversight of food ingredients to mitigate increasing food safety concerns.

A new proposed rule would require manufacturers to notify the FDA when determining an ingredient is GRAS. Under the current policy, experts can grant an ingredient GRAS status without having to notify the FDA, which has operated a voluntary notification program for several years.

The HHS said mandating GRAS notification will increase transparency and give the FDA greater visibility into ingredients entering the food supply.

“Americans deserve confidence that the ingredients in their food are subject to transparent, science-based oversight, and today’s actions strengthen both sides of that equation,” said Kyle Diamantas, acting FDA commissioner. “By proposing mandatory GRAS notifications, we are closing critical information gaps and giving the FDA greater visibility into substances entering the food supply.”

“By advancing a proposed definition of ultra-processed foods, we seek to create a stronger foundation for future nutrition research.” — Kyle Diamantas | acting commissioner | FDA

For GRAS ingredients already on the market, manufacturers would need to submit information to the FDA about their existing uses. The new proposal must undergo a public comment period and the federal rulemaking process before taking effect.

In addition to the GRAS announcement, HHS and USDA submitted the first proposed definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) for final review. The definition compiles feedback from members of the food industry, consumer organizations, researchers and the general public. The creation of a standardized federal definition is expected to add consistency to research on the topic.

“By advancing a proposed definition of ultra-processed foods, we seek to create a stronger foundation for future nutrition research,” Diamantas said. “Together, these reforms represent a significant step toward a more transparent and modern food safety system.”

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