The FDA strongly encourages manufacturers to submit notices under a rule known as substances generally recognised as safe, but they can also self-affirm the use of a substance without notifying the FDA.
Eliminating the pathway would make it mandatory for companies that want to introduce new ingredients in foods to publicly notify the FDA of their intended use and submit underlying safety data, the health and human services department said.
The FDA maintains a public inventory where all notices, supporting data and response letters are available for review.
The Consumer Brands Association, which represents companies such as Coca-Cola and WK Kellogg, said they “look forward to continued engagement with the secretary and the qualified experts within HHS to support public health, build consumer trust and promote consumer choice”.
PepsiCo, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Hershey, Mondelez and Kellanova did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
A few months ago, the FDA had set in motion a restructuring of its food division to increase oversight of food supply and agricultural products under former commissioner Robert Califf.
In January, it proposed food companies display nutrition labels on the front of packages.
**Reuters**