FDA Proposes New Ranking Method for Food Chemicals Amid Health Concerns

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated a public comment period regarding a proposed method for ranking chemicals in the food supply, aiming to enhance consumer safety and transparency. This initiative, announced on June 27, 2025, draws parallels to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) methodology, employing Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to prioritize chemicals for post-market assessments (FDA, 2025).

The FDA's proposed framework is designed to score chemicals based on several criteria, including toxicity and exposure levels among vulnerable populations. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Environmental Health at Harvard University, “The FDA’s initiative could significantly improve the agency’s ability to safeguard public health by focusing resources on the most concerning chemicals” (Johnson, 2025).

This development comes in the context of rising concerns over food safety and public health, especially amid increasing incidences of diet-related chronic diseases like diabetes. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is also launching the “Take Back Your Health” campaign, which aims to raise awareness about processed foods and their role in health issues (HHS, 2025).

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott recently signed the Make Texas Healthy Again Act, requiring warning labels on food products containing 44 chemicals deemed unsafe by international standards. This legislation reflects a growing trend among states to regulate food safety more stringently (Texas State Legislature, 2025). Abbott stated, “This legislation is a significant step towards ensuring the health and safety of Texans” (Abbott, 2025).

The FDA's budget request for fiscal year 2026 includes a proposal to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to empower the agency to destroy unsafe FDA-regulated imports. This move is aimed at preventing the re-entry of unapproved and potentially hazardous products into the U.S. market (FDA, 2025).

In addition to regulatory changes, the FDA is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a consistent definition of ultra-processed foods, a classification that has garnered significant attention due to its implications for public health. FDA Deputy Commissioner Kyle Diamantas noted, “A clear definition will help consumers make informed choices and promote healthier eating habits” (Diamantas, 2025).

The proposed changes come amidst broader public health discussions, including a coalition of 55 health organizations urging adherence to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines, emphasizing the need for balanced, nutrient-rich diets (Health Organizations Coalition, 2025). These guidelines not only inform individual dietary choices but also shape government food programs nationwide.

Canada has also taken proactive measures to safeguard its livestock industry, launching a national foot-and-mouth disease vaccine bank, backed by a $57.5 million investment over five years. This initiative is crucial as an outbreak could lead to economic losses estimated between $22 billion and $75 billion (Canadian Government, 2025).

The evolving landscape of food safety regulations reflects a heightened awareness of the impact that food chemicals and processing practices have on public health. Experts believe that these initiatives, if effectively implemented, could lead to a significant reduction in diet-related health issues and enhance consumer trust in the food supply.

As the FDA continues to seek public input on these proposed changes, stakeholders across the food industry are urged to engage in the discussion, which will remain open until July 18, 2025. The outcomes of this initiative could set important precedents for food safety and public health policy in the years to come.