The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a US federal agency responsible for protecting
public health. They work to ensure the security and safety of products made for human and
animal consumption. Recently, the FDA has acknowledged a multitude of recalls for food
products. This is food that is consumed daily throughout America and is being recalled for
dangerous chemicals, secret ingredients, and inaccuracy in results.
Why are these companies adding chemicals to the foods we love? Why does the FDA not
advocate for better standards? Many consistently wonder.
New Investigations
At least 111 substances of unknown safety have been added to foods, drinks, and supplements
sold across the US without the FDA’s knowledge. This is not only a show of the FDA’s
incompetence, but it also brings up the question: is the FDA truly accurate?
The purpose of the FDA is to ensure that people are consuming safe ingredients within the food
they purchase, yet over 100 ingredients have been sold “secretly” within foods. People have no
idea what they are consuming now that food companies are not being entirely honest about the
components and ingredients added to their products.
Harmful Effects
Food companies are expected to meet the GRAS standard requiring confirmation their
ingredients are safe for human consumption and backed up by scientific evidence. Unfortunately,
some food companies have found loopholes to continue selling potentially unsafe ingredients
without buyers knowing.
The concept is particularly scary regarding individuals who may be consuming unknown or
“secret” ingredients in the foods they love that could be possibly deadly. Substances such as
carcinogens or PFAS, which are harmful forever chemicals, have been detected in food.
How can this problem be solved?
As more evidence is brought to light, the Department of Agriculture’s Branded Foods Database
has granted access to the ingredients listed in brand-name items sold in stores. People are warned
to not rely completely on the FDA’s accuracy. As the failure to protect public safety is increasing,
many wonder what stance the FDA will take, and how this problem can be eliminated.
Closer to Zero
The FDA has started creating a solution. Closer to Zero is a newly-introduced program
developed by the FDA in order to reduce the exposure, and contents of harmful contaminants in
food. Up to date the FDA is beginning their focus on food that babies and children consume.
Provided by specific research and analysis new testing methods are being put to use to ensure
commonly eaten foods will not contain harmful ingredients.
Updated lists of chemicals under review have been addressed. The FDA is increasing their
precautions and transparency, hopefully showing a significant reduction and elimination in the
future of all harmful chemicals found in our daily foods.
