The U.S. Food and Drug Administration took two decisive actions on food chemical safety this week, finalizing a new proactive post-market assessment program while simultaneously launching reassessments of the widely used additives butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and azodicarbonamide (ADA).
The moves, announced May 12, mark a major step in the agency’s broader food safety agenda.
A New Framework for Safety Reviews
Two documents will guide the FDA’s annual food chemical assessment plan going forward. The first, the “Enhanced Systematic Process for Post-Market Assessment of Chemicals in Food,” details how the agency will monitor, triage, prioritize, evaluate, and manage food chemicals as new safety information emerges. The second, the “Post-Market Assessment Prioritization Tool,” helps identify which chemicals warrant a full scientific assessment based on potential public health risk.
Both documents were refined following public comment and external peer review. Changes include streamlined decisional criteria, clearer public health outcome focus, and additional opportunities for public engagement.
“Americans want the FDA to take a fresh look at some of the chemical additives that have become widespread in our food supply,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “By establishing a comprehensive, science-based framework for reviewing chemicals like BHT and ADA, we’re delivering the rigorous oversight Americans deserve. We will act swiftly based on our findings.”
Additives Under Review
BHT is a preservative used to prevent spoilage of fats and oils. It appears in a wide range of products including breakfast cereals, frozen pizza, frozen meals, baking mixes, cookies, chewing gum, and meat products.
ADA serves a dual role as a whitening agent in cereal flour and a dough conditioner in breadmaking. It is also used in the manufacture of food contact materials.
“Today’s release finalizes our framework for this new, dedicated reassessment program that provides Americans with confidence that the FDA is ensuring chemicals in the U.S. food supply remain safe as new scientific information becomes available,” said Kyle Diamantas, J.D., Deputy Commissioner for Food. “This systematic, transparent approach helps protect public health and reinforces the rigorous safety standards that protect American consumers.”
How to Submit Comments
The FDA has issued two formal Requests for Information (RFIs) for BHT and ADA, seeking relevant safety and usage data from food manufacturers, researchers, and consumers. The public comment period closes July 13, 2026.
Full details are available in the RFIs for BHT and ADA, and both framework documents can be found on the FDA’s post-market safety of chemicals in food webpage. The agency will provide regular updates on ongoing assessments through its List of Select Chemicals in the Food Supply Under FDA Review.
Source: FDA Press Release
