The former head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Dr. David Kessler, has initiated a significant challenge to the Trump administration’s health initiative, “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA). In a petition filed on March 5, 2025, Kessler asserts that the FDA has the authority to declare certain sweeteners, refined flours, and additives as not “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS). This declaration could prompt manufacturers of ultraprocessed foods to either reformulate their products or provide evidence of safety for these ingredients.
Kessler’s proposal represents a potential paradigm shift for the food industry and the administration’s approach to food safety. Currently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has predominantly relied on voluntary measures from food brands to remove harmful additives. Kessler’s move could redefine the landscape, compelling food producers to address the safety of their ingredients more rigorously.
Proposed Changes and Industry Impact
Kessler suggests that companies should have a 12-month window to petition the FDA to retain the GRAS designation for specific food additives. If they fail to do so, they may have to reformulate their products or withdraw them from the market. He emphasizes the need for the food industry to bear the burden of proof regarding the safety of their ingredients, a stance that could usher in a new era of scrutiny.
Michael Taylor, a former FDA food regulator, describes Kessler’s petition as a “worthy step” toward initiating a critical safety discussion within the food sector. Taylor notes that it utilizes the GRAS designation to challenge existing practices, which have historically allowed numerous additives to remain in the food supply without rigorous oversight.
The FDA has not yet commented on Kessler’s petition. However, federal health officials recently announced that they are seeking input on defining ultraprocessed foods, a move that could lead to new regulations in the coming months or years. Kessler’s petition may expedite this timeline, as the agency is obligated to respond within 180 days.
Health Implications and Expert Opinions
Kessler, who served as FDA commissioner under Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, oversaw the introduction of mandatory nutrition labels and has a history of advocating for public health initiatives. He argues that the ingredients currently classified as GRAS have contributed to rising obesity, diabetes, and heart disease rates since their approval four decades ago.
Nutrition experts have praised Kessler’s approach, particularly his focus on additives that enhance flavor and texture in ultraprocessed foods. Christopher Gardner, director of nutrition studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, highlights that the food industry’s reliance on emulsifiers and stabilizers creates addictive products. He suggests that removing these additives would significantly alter the taste and appeal of many processed foods.
Dr. Walter Willett, a leading nutrition researcher at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, notes that Kessler’s petition aligns with the original intent of the GRAS standard, which was designed to apply narrowly to well-understood ingredients. He believes that such reforms could dramatically change what is available on grocery shelves.
The Environmental Working Group conducted a 2022 analysis revealing that nearly 99% of new chemicals introduced into food since 2000 received approval not from the FDA but from the industry itself. Kessler’s challenge to this status quo is seen as a pivotal moment in the effort to reshape food safety regulations.
While Kessler’s petition is lauded by many health advocates, it is expected to face substantial opposition from major food brands. Taylor recalls the FDA’s previous actions against trans fats, indicating that industry adaptation may be required, especially given the widespread use of the ingredients Kessler seeks to regulate.
As the Trump administration prepares to release its second MAHA report, the implications of Kessler’s petition will likely be a focal point. The report, due shortly, is anticipated to outline proposed policy changes regarding ultraprocessed foods and their impact on public health.