The Department of Health and Human Services announced new federal actions Sunday that will affect not only human food but also animal feed, including grains used in livestock diets, drawing measured response from the animal feed industry.
The Food and Drug Administration proposed a rule requiring manufacturers to notify the agency when they determine a substance added to human or animal food is Generally Recognized as Safe, or GRAS. This change would give the FDA more oversight of ingredients entering the food and feed supply.
Since the GRAS exemption began in 1958, companies have been allowed to decide on their own if an ingredient is safe. While the FDA has encouraged voluntary notifications, this would be the first time manufacturers must report these safety conclusions.
For grains and other feed ingredients, this means greater transparency about what additives or processing aids are used. The rule also includes a streamlined process for substances already on the market based on industry self-assessments, allowing the FDA to focus on safety reviews after products are in use.
The American Feed Industry Association said it is reviewing the proposal and evaluating how it might affect animal food ingredient approvals, innovation and supply chain safety.
“The American Feed Industry Association understands the Trump administration’s efforts to strengthen the safety and transparency of ingredient oversight,” said AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman in a statement. “For years, the animal food industry has worked closely with the Food and Drug Administration to strengthen the animal food ingredient review pathways, including the Generally Recognized as Safe notification process.”
Cullman said the industry’s goals include ensuring a safe animal food supply, building consumer trust and supporting innovation. But she noted that successful implementation depends on the agency having proper support.
“As the FDA considers potential changes, it is critical that the agency has the resources, capacity and tools needed to administer ingredient reviews in a timely manner,” Cullman said. She added that AFIA will submit comments to ensure any changes include necessary resources and process improvements.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the reforms are part of a broader effort to address chronic disease. “Nearly 60% of the American diet is made up of ultra-processed foods,” he said.
Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said the reforms will close information gaps and strengthen science-based oversight of both human and animal food ingredients.
The proposed rule will open for public comment before becoming final.
