FDA may impose stricter regulations on food additives

The FDA currently allows food companies to determine the safety of additives without mandatory reporting. This has raised concerns about the presence of potentially harmful chemicals in U.S. food products, many of which are banned in Europe. Recent comments from officials, including the new head of Health and Human Services, suggest a shift towards stricter oversight. The FDA's current system, which relies heavily on self-regulation by companies, has been criticized for lacking transparency and effectiveness. A poll indicates that many Americans want stricter limits on food chemicals. The FDA's oversight of food additives is significantly weaker than that of pharmaceuticals, leading to calls for reform in how food safety is managed.