The FDA is moving to end the voluntary “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) pathway that has allowed food manufacturers to self‑affirm ingredient safety since 1997, a shift that could add months to product development timelines.
Proposed rule would require mandatory safety notifications
Under the new proposal, companies must submit a safety notification at least 45 days before filing a formal petition, after which the public would have a 120‑day comment period. The agency would then issue a safety determination within 180 days. Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas announced the change, noting that the current system lets 99% of food chemicals added since 2000 enter the market without formal FDA review, according to an Environmental Working Group analysis.
Manufacturers that have relied on quick self‑affirmation now face longer review cycles, potentially affecting seasonal releases and innovation pipelines.
Ultraprocessed food definition remains unsettled
While the GRAS rule advances, the FDA’s definition of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) has only been sent to the White House as a white paper, not a binding regulation. Congressional bills—SB 5026 and SB 5166—seek to require warning labels for UPFs and to prohibit artificial ingredients in products marketed as “natural.” California already enacted a statutory UPF definition in 2025, creating a patchwork of standards that manufacturers must manage.
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These emerging rules suggest that companies may need to align product portfolios with state definitions now, anticipating a possible federal rule later. The lack of a uniform standard makes compliance planning more complex, especially for brands with national distribution.
From a broader perspective, the push to tighten ingredient oversight reflects growing consumer scrutiny of food safety and processing levels. As shoppers become more aware of additives and processing methods, regulatory bodies appear to be responding with tighter controls, which could reshape formulation strategies across the industry.
Section 301 tariffs reignite legal battles
The administration has replaced previously struck IEEPA tariffs with Section 301 duties on 59 countries, covering 99.4% of U.S. imports. Rates range from 10% to 12.5% and target goods allegedly linked to forced labor. Within days, 25 state attorneys general filed lawsuits, arguing the new tariffs bypass court‑invalidated rules. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser described the move as “exactly that”—a workaround for previously rejected measures.
A three‑judge panel of the Court of International Trade has been assigned to hear the case, indicating a protracted legal process. Meanwhile, a recent Omnisend survey of 1,075 shoppers found that most suspect brands use inflation as a pretext for price hikes, with many saying they have stopped buying from affected brands. Only a small minority accept rising ingredient costs as a legitimate reason for price increases, and a majority report noticing shrinkflation most in groceries.
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Any unexplained price adjustments could erode brand loyalty further, making clear communication about tariff impacts essential for maintaining consumer trust.
GLP‑1 medication use reshapes grocery spending
According to Numerator’s quarterly tracker, 22% of U.S. households now include at least one GLP‑1 user, doubling the rate from October 2023. These households spend about 4% less on groceries than comparable non‑user households, directing $660 billion in aggregate consumer spending toward protein, fiber, seafood, and functional nutrition products while reducing purchases of pasta and packaged bakery items.
Although two‑thirds of former GLP‑1 users discontinue within six months, the current penetration level is large enough to influence category volumes. The shift aligns with product strategies from General Mills and Nestlé, which are emphasizing protein claims, functional formats, and smaller portion sizes.
Manufacturers ignoring these changes risk building product roadmaps for a consumer base that has already moved on. The trend appears to be more than a temporary blip; it is now reflected in actual sales data across the consumer packaged goods sector.