Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the Food and Drug Administration will move forward with reviewing a citizen petition that calls for closer examination of ingredients commonly found in ultra-processed foods. The petition, filed by former FDA Commissioner Dr. David Kessler, raises concerns about refined carbohydrates such as corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and refined flours, which are widely used in packaged and ready-to-eat products.
Kessler’s petition argues that these ingredients may be linked to a range of health issues, including high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, excess abdominal fat, and other metabolic conditions. It also questions the current classification of many of these substances as “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS, suggesting that the scientific evidence behind that label may rely on older data that should be reevaluated in light of modern research.
Kennedy said in a recent television interview that the FDA should have been asking the kinds of questions raised in the petition long ago. While he did not provide details about how quickly the agency might respond or what steps it will take, the FDA is required to address citizen petitions within a set period. The agency has issued an interim response stating that it has not yet reached a final decision on the matter.
Under current law, any substance intentionally added to food is considered a food additive and must undergo pre-market review and approval, unless it falls under the GRAS category. To qualify for GRAS status, publicly available scientific data must show that qualified experts agree the ingredient is safe under its intended conditions of use. Many familiar items, such as canola oil, vinegar, and spices, are included in this category.
Critics of the system say the process has allowed food manufacturers to introduce large numbers of ingredients into the food supply with limited oversight. Kennedy has argued that the GRAS pathway has been used by companies to determine the safety of their own additives, raising questions about transparency and accountability. He has also said there is no clear count of how many ingredients are currently used in American processed foods.
Although Kennedy has expressed strong concerns about ultra-processed foods, he stopped short of saying the government plans to regulate them directly. Instead, he emphasized the importance of giving consumers better information so they can make informed choices. He has also pointed to the need to make whole foods more affordable and accessible, particularly in communities where fresh options are limited.
Ultra-processed foods generally include products made with refined sweeteners, refined starches, added fats, oils, and salt, often designed for convenience and long shelf life. According to research cited by public health experts, people who consume more of these foods tend to have lower cardiovascular health scores. Americans now get more than half of their daily calories from these products, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Kessler and other researchers believe the widespread presence of these foods has changed eating patterns over the past several decades, contributing to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. In response, recent federal dietary guidelines encourage people to limit packaged snacks, sugary beverages, and heavily processed meals.
For now, the FDA’s next steps remain unclear. However, the renewed attention on refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods has sparked a broader discussion about how the nation evaluates food safety and how dietary habits affect long-term health.
This image is the property of The New Dispatch LLC and is not licenseable for external use without explicit written permission.
