GRAS Is Becoming More Than a Safety Consideration
In August 2026, FDA issued a proposed rule that would make Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notification mandatory for covered substances while preserving the ability to market a substance during FDA review. At the same time, congressional proposals and state-level initiatives are adding to the pressure for greater transparency around GRAS determinations.
The GRAS safety standard itself has not changed. What is changing is the environment in which that standard operates. For food companies and ingredient suppliers, GRAS is increasingly becoming not only a safety pathway, but also a question of transparency, documentation and risk management. Existing self-GRAS determinations, legacy substances, supplier documentation and evolving state requirements may all warrant a closer look.
What Should Food Companies Be Thinking About Now?
The implications extend beyond a single proposed federal rule. In The GRAS Landscape Is Changing: 5 Issues Food Companies Should Address Now, FoodChain ID examines the developments shaping the GRAS environment and what they could mean for companies navigating the path ahead.
Continue reading to explore the five issues and what your organization should consider as the GRAS landscape evolves.