The push for healthier food in America has gained momentum, with a focus on scrutinizing the additives present in our daily meals. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now at the helm of the Department of Health and Human Services, aims to overhaul the nation's food system. His vision is to ensure that the ingredients used in American food are safe and beneficial for public health. The current system, which allows companies to self-certify new additives as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS), has raised concerns among health advocates and consumers alike.

Consumer trust in the safety of the food supply has waned, with nearly one-third of Americans expressing little confidence in the federal government's ability to ensure food safety. Dr. James Krieger, executive director of Healthy Food America, emphasizes that the existing food system does not prioritize health. Kennedy's position provides him with a unique opportunity to implement changes that could revolutionize how food additives are regulated. However, this transformation comes with significant financial challenges. Increased scrutiny of additives would require substantial resources, potentially leading to higher costs for manufacturers and, ultimately, consumers.

One of the most pressing issues is closing the GRAS loophole, which allows companies to introduce new additives without thorough FDA review. This practice has led to incidents like the tara flour contamination in 2022, where a novel ingredient caused severe health problems for hundreds of people. Experts argue that requiring companies to submit safety studies to the FDA would enhance oversight and prevent such crises. Moreover, reevaluating long-standing additives is crucial as dietary patterns and product formulations evolve over time.

The FDA is working on revamping its assessment framework to address these concerns, but funding remains a significant hurdle. The agency's food program budget is dwarfed by allocations for drugs and medical devices. Some suggest adopting user fees to expedite reviews, though this approach introduces potential conflicts of interest. Despite these challenges, experts believe that stricter regulation and independent reviews could restore public trust in the food system. While increased scrutiny might lead to higher food prices, the long-term benefits of safer, healthier food outweigh the short-term costs. Ensuring the safety of what we eat is an investment in the well-being of all Americans.