The FDA to Reassess Safety of Food Chemicals BHT and ADA
The FDA has announced plans to reassess the safety of food chemicals butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and azodicarbonamide (ADA) in response to concerns about their impact on public health. This decision is part of the agency’s broader initiative to review ingredients based on their risk levels.
Two requests for information have been issued by the FDA regarding the use and safety of BHT and ADA. BHT is commonly used as a preservative in various food products such as frozen meals, breakfast cereals, chewing gum, and meat items. On the other hand, ADA, known as the “yoga mat” chemical due to its presence in foam-like plastics, serves as a dough conditioner in breadmaking and a whitening agent in cereal flour.
This announcement comes amidst calls for greater transparency in the approval process from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The FDA has also initiated reviews of other substances like the meat preservative BHA and the Orange B food dye.
Former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary emphasized the importance of establishing a comprehensive, science-based framework for evaluating chemicals like BHT and ADA to ensure rigorous oversight and public safety. Both BHT and ADA are subject to strict regulations in Europe due to concerns about their potential carcinogenic properties, with ADA being banned in 2005.
The FDA is now seeking input from the food industry on the use of these additives. The American Bakers Association has reported that the baking industry is phasing out ADA, with the majority of its member companies already eliminating the substance from their products.
While there is limited data on the extent of BHT usage, it is commonly utilized to prevent spoilage in fats and oils. BHT received approval for use in 1954 and was considered Generally Recognized as Safe in 1959, a designation that has raised questions in recent years.
The FDA is revamping the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) process to reassess the safety of approved chemicals. The agency will prioritize chemicals for review based on their risk to public health rather than consumer concerns, ensuring ongoing safety in the food supply.
“Today’s release finalizes our framework for this new reassessment program, providing assurance to Americans that the FDA is actively monitoring the safety of chemicals in our food supply,” stated Kyle Diamantas, Acting FDA Commissioner and former Deputy Commissioner for Food.