US FDA and USDA Roll Out New Food Safety and Nutrition Policies Under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced two final documents for its Food Chemical Safety Post‑Market Assessment Program and began reassessments of the food additives butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and azodicarbonamide (ADA). The new framework streamlines signal monitoring, prioritization, and public engagement for chemicals in the food supply, with requests for information on BHT and ADA due by July 13, 2026.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released the 2025‑2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, urging a shift toward “real foods,” higher protein intake, and a ban on added sugars and ultra‑processed products, especially for children. The guidance features an inverted food pyramid that emphasizes meat, dairy, nuts, and healthy fats.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directed the FDA to eliminate the self‑affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) provision, requiring companies to submit safety data and public notices for new food ingredients. Industry groups warn the change could delay product launches and increase costs for emerging food‑technology startups.

Together, these actions represent a coordinated effort by federal agencies to tighten oversight of food chemicals, reshape nutrition recommendations, and increase transparency in ingredient approval, affecting manufacturers, consumers, and the broader food‑industry landscape.