Dive Brief:
- Natural Resources Defense Council and other health groups are petitioning the FDA to remove eight synthetic flavors from the "generally recognized as safe" list for being known carcinogens.
- According to The Hill, "The petition asks FDA to revoke its 1964 approval that allowed seven of the eight flavorings to be used in food and overturn the industry’s 1974 self-approval of the eighth synthetic flavor, which they assert can be used under a loophole in the law for chemicals that are 'generally recognized as safe.' "
- The synthetic flavors in question have been used in a variety of products, including ice cream, candy, baked goods, and beverages, for more than 40 years.
Dive Insight:
Some food companies have already jumped ahead of FDA making changes to synthetic flavor approvals and removed artificial flavors from their products. Most recently, Nestle announced that it would remove artificial flavorings from its frozen pizzas, and in February, the company said it would remove artificial flavorings from chocolate candy by the end of the year. Other companies, such as Kraft, have also moved to discontinue artificial colors and preservatives in their foods. As more consumers prefer fresher, healthier foods with less chemical additives, more companies will likely respond by removing artificial additives, before the FDA mandates that they do so.