FDA admits not knowing about existence of many food chemicals, let alone their safety

The explosive introduction of new food additives, in addition to an easing of some federal oversight requirements, has allowed manufacturers to dodge scrutiny from the Food and Drug Administration, the agency responsible for ensuring the safety of chemicals that are flowing into the food supply.

And, as reported by The Washington Post, in hundreds of cases the FDA is not even aware of the existence of new additives, which can include chemical preservatives, thickening agents and flavorings, interviews and records have shown.

"We simply do not have the information to vouch for the safety of many of these chemicals," said Michael Taylor, the FDA's deputy commissioner for food, in an interview with the Post.

The paper further reported:

The FDA has received thousands of consumer complaints about additives in recent years, saying certain substances seem to trigger asthmatic attacks, serious bouts of vomiting, intestinal-tract disorders and other health problems.

'We have questions about whether we can do what people expect'

At a rate that has been much faster than in prior years, companies are adding secret ingredients to practically everything. However, the more widespread concern among food-safety advocates and federal regulators is the increasing trend of companies choosing a quicker certification process, at a level never intended when it was created 17 years ago to, in part, help businesses.

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