Generally Recognized as Food

In this new year's wish list, I would have to say I am sincerely hoping the FDA will change its ways and adopt principles ensuring our food supply is comprised of, well, food. Food and only food would be my requirement but, believe me, that would be far more progressive than we can expect from even a moderate governmental agency. As usual, what I would like to see challenged is GRAS (generally recognized as safe). I think instead of allowing corporations and their trade groups to decide an ingredient is edible, we should see if it actually is food...in most cases, it isn't. But if those trying to market it as such can come forth with clear evidence (medical and scientific studies proving its safety when consumed by actual humans), then the FDA should actually have to review the studies, conduct any follow-up necessary and eventually based on mounds of evidence, decide if the substance in question is actually safe. To say something is generally recognized as safe is so lame...the GRAS chemicals permissible to date are quite often not considered safe in other countries (e.g., the EU does not consider genetically modified crops safe). Allowing the very elite trade associations and manufacturers to themselves generally recognize anything as safe is no different from gun company CEOs getting together to declare guns are safe. The inmates are running the prison for now, but change might be on its way. So, the start of 2010 might see the results of the FDA challenge to drink manufacturers producing caffeine / alcohol combos popular with college kids. Again, some such products are on the market now, but the FDA contacted many manufacturers and has initiated warnings that caffeine added to alcoholic beverages is uncharted territory. While caffeine has been GRAS for some time for most common purposes (colas, etc.), the FDA has indicated this entirely different use of caffeine might not be GRAS. The FDA challenge may demonstrate that the FDA does care enough to enforce GRAS and not allow it to be the free-for-all that I fear it has become. If the FDA leaves these drinks alone, the outrage may spark the rethinking of GRAS... Aside from GRAS, there is some murmur that corporations marketing foods to youngsters might be subject new standards as well in an effort to reduce childhood obesity. So, it is an exciting time now that the trend toward natural foods is widespread and those shouting the loudest may even be heard in Washington...