Human "biology was never intended to handle" ultraprocessed foods, former FDA head David Kessler warns

A growing number of Americans are expressing concern about the health effects of ultraprocessed foods – the packaged, ready-to-eat items that dominate grocery store shelves. Leading this discussion are Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. And Dr. David Kessler, former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, despite their differing views on other public health matters.

A Common Concern: The GRAS Exemption

Both Kennedy and Kessler are focusing on a 67-year-old government classification known as GRAS – generally recognized as safe. They contend that this designation has allowed food companies to introduce ingredients without comprehensive government safety reviews, leading to a surge in ultraprocessed foods. These foods now comprise 50% of the average American’s diet and 60% of children’s diets.

The Health Consequences

Dr. Kessler described the impact of these foods, stating that over the last 40 years, the United States has been exposed to foods that “our biology was never intended to handle.” He linked ultraprocessed foods to a rise in chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Noted that 70% of Americans are currently classified as obese or overweight, attributing this not to personal failings but to a food supply “low in nutrition and high in calories” that is “destroying our health.”

Did You Know? David Kessler previously served as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the 1990s, where he exposed manipulation tactics used by tobacco companies.

The GRAS Petition and Potential Changes

Kennedy has issued new dietary guidelines advising against highly processed foods. He intends to close what he calls a “loophole” in the GRAS exemption, which he says has allowed thousands of unreviewed ingredients into the food supply. In Europe, Notice only approximately 400 legal food ingredients, while the FDA estimates between 4,000 and 10,000 ingredients are used in American food.

Dr. Kessler is petitioning Kennedy to revoke the GRAS status of dozens of processed refined carbohydrates, such as corn syrup and maltodextrin, unless companies can demonstrate their safety. He explained that these ingredients are rapidly absorbed, causing “metabolic havoc” and triggering overeating by targeting brain reward circuits.

A Lawsuit and Industry Response

In December, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu filed a lawsuit against 10 manufacturers of ultraprocessed foods, alleging they knowingly engineered addictive and dangerous products while concealing the risks. The Consumer Brands Association responded with a statement asserting that there is no universally agreed-upon definition of “ultraprocessed foods” and that companies adhere to FDA safety standards.

Expert Insight: The focus on the GRAS exemption highlights a long-standing debate about the balance between industry self-regulation and government oversight in ensuring food safety. The potential for revisiting this process could significantly alter the landscape of food production and consumption in the United States.

The Role of Farm Subsidies

Food author Michael Pollan connected the prevalence of ultraprocessed foods to federal farm subsidies, arguing that taxpayers subsidize the production of commodity crops like corn and soybeans, which are then used to create these processed foods. He stated that the government is effectively “supporting both sides in the war on type 2 diabetes” by subsidizing ingredients like high fructose corn syrup while simultaneously covering healthcare costs for related illnesses.

Looking Ahead

Kennedy stated he will use “gold standard science” to review GRAS ingredients, though his credibility has been questioned due to his views on vaccines and revisions to the childhood vaccine schedule. Despite disagreements, Dr. Kessler expressed willingness to applaud any action Kennedy takes on ultraprocessed foods, stating that the country is “ill” and progress on this issue is crucial. The FDA will review the safety status of processed food ingredients, pending White House approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GRAS exemption?

The GRAS exemption, enacted by Congress in 1958, allows food companies to independently determine the safety of ingredients if they are “generally recognized as safe” by experts, without requiring FDA review.

What percentage of the American diet is made up of ultraprocessed foods?

Ultraprocessed foods currently make up 50% of the calories consumed by Americans and 60% of the calories consumed by American children.

What is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s position on ultraprocessed foods?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has stated that ultraprocessed foods are “poisoning” Americans and is taking steps to address the issue, including issuing new dietary guidelines and reviewing the GRAS exemption.

As concerns about the impact of ultraprocessed foods grow, what role should individual responsibility play alongside potential regulatory changes?

Human “biology was never intended to handle” ultraprocessed foods, former FDA head David Kessler warns