HHS Proposes Mandatory GRAS Notices - Summary - MDSpire
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HHS Proposes Mandatory GRAS Notices

Manufacturers would be required to notify the FDA of GRAS determinations under a proposed rule, while HHS and USDA also submitted the first proposed federal definition of ultra-processed foods for final review.

  • By

  • Kathryn Wighton

  • August 10, 2026

  • 3 min

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Objective:

To improve food ingredient oversight and enhance transparency regarding substances added to the food supply.

Approach:
  • GRAS Notification Requirement: Manufacturers would be required to notify the FDA when they determine a substance is Generally Recognized as Safe.
  • Definition of Ultra-Processed Foods: The HHS and USDA submitted a proposed definition of ultra-processed foods for final review to improve consistency in federal nutrition research.
Key Findings:
  • Nearly 60% of the American diet consists of ultra-processed foods.
  • Childhood obesity affects more than one in five American children.
  • The absence of a standardized federal definition for UPFs has limited consistency in nutrition research.
Interpretation:

Limitations:
  • The current GRAS framework allows manufacturers to self-determine safety without mandatory notification.
Conclusion:

Sources:

Original Source(s)

HHS Proposes Mandatory GRAS Notices

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • August 10, 2026

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