The FDA is proposing to expand a “threshold of regulation” (TOR) loophole that would permit toxic chemicals to be added directly to food as ingredients without safety review.
The current TOR exemption applies only to food contact materials like packaging, but the expansion would allow dangerous compounds as flavorings, preservatives, emulsifiers and other direct food additives.
Public health advocates warn the proposal ignores cumulative health effects and allows hormone-disrupting chemicals that cause harm at levels far below the 0.5 parts per billion threshold.
The proposed rule comes as the FDA claims victory for “closing” the GRAS loophole, but critics say the TOR expansion would undermine any gains from that action.
At least 111 food chemicals have already exploited the GRAS system to enter the food supply without FDA oversight, with 49 of those found in thousands of products
The regulatory shell game: How the FDA’s new loophole undermines food safety
Read Full Article: https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-10-12-fda-rule-allow-toxic-chemicals-in-food.html
