The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently held a public meeting to discuss the development of a more systematic post-market assessment process for chemicals used in food. The event brought together experts from various fields to establish a robust, transparent, and science-based approach to food safety, ensuring that FDA-approved chemicals meet modern safety standards.

FDA’s Human Foods Program Prioritizes Chemical Safety

Jim Jones, Director of the FDA’s new Human Foods Program, opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of enhancing food chemical safety. He acknowledged that the FDA lacks a robust post-market assessment program because there is no statutory requirement for industry to share safety testing data after a chemical enters the market. “While we are committed to improving food safety, the reality is that our new program didn’t come with additional budget or regulatory authority,” Jones explained. He stressed that the absence of extra resources limits the FDA’s ability to drive significant improvements in post-market assessments.

Key Stakeholders Advocate for Change

The meeting featured statements from stakeholders in research, industry, and civil society. A common theme was the need to prioritize chemicals posing the highest potential risk. Many participants called for an overhaul of the current system, which relies on outdated assessments and does not fully address modern food safety challenges.

Maricel Maffini, an independent environmental health consultant, proposed strategies to increase independence and transparency in the post-market assessment process. “The office of reassessment should be independent from pre-market review to avoid biases,” she said. Consumer safety groups also voiced the importance of public engagement, calling for more opportunities to provide input on chemical safety assessments.

Next Steps for FDA’s Post-Market Review

The FDA indicated that this meeting was the start of a broader initiative aimed at improving the systematic review of food chemicals. The agency is focused on balancing food safety, innovation, and public trust. A public consultation period will remain open until December 6, 2024, offering stakeholders an opportunity to contribute their perspectives.