Ex-FDA Chief Demands Crackdown on Ultra-Processed Foods Over Health Risks

A former top US food safety official is pushing for stricter controls on ultra-processed foods. David Kessler, who once led the FDA, has filed a petition demanding a review of key ingredients in these products. His request targets sweeteners like corn syrup and other refined carbohydrates, arguing they may no longer be safe for consumption.

Ultra-processed foods now account for 55% of the average American's daily calories, with children eating even more. Despite this, 72% of Americans say they actively try to avoid them, and 79% see them as a major health risk. Some states have already banned these foods in schools over concerns about obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related illnesses.

Kessler's petition calls on the FDA to remove certain ingredients from the 'Generally Recognised As Safe' (GRAS) list. He claims these additives—including corn syrup and dozens of other sweeteners and starches—cause metabolic harm. Instead of being treated as safe by default, they should be reclassified as additives requiring formal safety approval.

The FDA has yet to respond in detail but is working on a definition for ultra-processed foods. Meanwhile, Congress is debating a bill to tighten rules on how these products are marketed and labelled. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has confirmed the agency will address Kessler's concerns, though the timeline remains unclear.

The outcome of the petition is uncertain, partly due to the current administration's unpredictable approach to regulation. If successful, the move could force food manufacturers to reformulate products or prove their ingredients are safe.

The FDA's decision on Kessler's petition could reshape food regulations in the US. If the ingredients lose their GRAS status, companies may need to remove or replace them. For now, consumers and health advocates are waiting to see whether stricter controls will follow.