The GRAS Act overhauls how the Food and Drug Administration regulates food additives that manufacturers claim are "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). Currently, companies can use GRAS substances without FDA approval, but this bill requires them to notify the FDA before using any new GRAS substance or substance not previously marketed for food, providing detailed safety data for FDA review. The FDA would have 180 days (extendable by 90 days) to object to these uses, and all notices and supporting data would be made public with at least a 60-day comment period. The bill also requires the FDA to systematically reassess the safety of at least 10 existing food additives every three years—including previously approved GRAS substances, color additives, and food contact materials—and can revoke approval if safety concerns emerge. To fund these new responsibilities, the bill establishes fees on companies submitting notices and those subject to reassessments. The legislation applies to food manufacturers and importers and authorizes necessary appropriations for FDA implementation.
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