Grocery Reform And Safety Act; GRAS Act
Summary
The Grocery Reform And Safety Act (GRAS Act) aims to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, enhancing the FDA's oversight of food substances recognized as safe (GRAS). It mandates pre-market notifications for new uses of GRAS substances and reassessments of existing ones. The act also introduces fees to support these enhanced review processes.
Expected Effects
The GRAS Act will likely increase the regulatory burden on food manufacturers by requiring them to provide more data to the FDA. This could lead to increased costs for manufacturers, potentially passed on to consumers. The FDA will have greater authority to review and potentially object to the use of substances considered GRAS.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced food safety through increased FDA oversight.
- Greater transparency in the GRAS determination process with public availability of data.
- Regular reassessments of food substances to ensure ongoing safety.
- Clearer definitions of terms like 'carcinogenic' and 'conflict of interest'.
- Potential for reduced health risks associated with food additives.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for food manufacturers due to compliance requirements.
- Potential delays in introducing new food products to the market.
- Possible increased food prices for consumers.
- The act could create uncertainty for businesses relying on GRAS substances.
- Increased administrative burden on the FDA.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The GRAS Act primarily aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating food substances in interstate commerce. The Act does not appear to infringe upon individual liberties outlined in the Bill of Rights. The Act's focus on public health and safety aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution's preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).