Secret GRAS: How 100+ Food Chemicals Bypassed Government Safety Review

Thousands of everyday food products potentially could contain substances that carry unknown health risks, a new EWG analysis finds.

Although Congress intended for most food chemicals to be rigorously reviewed before being introduced into the market, the reality of food chemical review is far different. A flood of unregulated and potentially unsafe substances have been allowed in many products Americans eat.

Chemical and food manufacturers have rubber-stamped at least 111 food chemicals for use in numerous products, from cereal to snack bars, sports drinks and more.

Presence on the list of 111 food chemicals EWG identified does not mean a substance is harmful. But food companies have made their own safety determinations about these chemicals, without notifying the Food and Drug Administration and often while keeping details about their safety a secret, according to the analysis.