US Should Adapt EU Standards and Processes for food additives. The EU is more conservative and therefore more safe. Isn't the manufacturer of the chemical responsible for the testing in the US and the FDA only 'reviews' that data? How many chemicals are approved in the US vs EU?
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the approval and regulation of food additives. A significant aspect of this process is the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) designation. Under the GRAS system, manufacturers can determine the safety of their additives through their own experts and begin using them in food products without mandatory FDA review. This self-affirmation process has led to concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the adequacy of safety evaluations. CSPI
In contrast, the European Union (EU) employs a more centralized and precautionary approach. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for the scientific assessment of food additives. Manufacturers must submit comprehensive data to EFSA, which then conducts its own independent evaluations before an additive can be authorized for use. This process ensures that safety assessments are conducted by an impartial body, reducing potential conflicts of interest. EFSA.EUROPA.EU
Regarding the number of approved food additives, there is a notable disparity between the two regions. The United States permits the use of over 10,000 chemical additives in its food supply, a figure that includes substances approved through the GRAS process. In contrast, the European Union has authorized approximately 338 food additives, reflecting its more stringent regulatory standards and precautionary approach. FOOD & WINE, FOODWATCH
This significant difference in the number of approved additives highlights the contrasting philosophies:
These differing approaches underscore the importance of regulatory frameworks in ensuring food safety and public health.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for the approval and regulation of food additives. The FDA evaluates food additives through a rigorous scientific review process to ensure they are safe for consumption.
In the European Union, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for the scientific assessment of food additives. The final approval and regulation are made by the European Commission and the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food, and Feed (PAFF Committee).
| Aspect | United States (FDA) | European Union (EFSA & EC) |
|---|---|---|
| Regulating Body | Food and Drug Administration (FDA) | European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and European Commission |
| Approval Process | Scientific review by FDA | Scientific review by EFSA, Regulatory decision by European Commission |
| Precautionary Principle | Less stringent, more risk-based | Stricter, often follows the precautionary principle |
| Public Transparency | Moderate transparency | High transparency, public reports on evaluations |