Introduction
U.S. lawmakers are taking a fresh look at how food is regulated. On April 29, 2026, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health is set to examine a wide range of proposed bills aimed at overhauling the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) oversight of food, dietary supplements, and infant nutrition products.
The hearing—titled “Healthier America: Legislative Proposals on the Regulation and Oversight of Food”—will focus on improving food safety, increasing transparency in labeling, and addressing links between diet and chronic disease. These priorities align closely with the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, which continues to shape federal health policy discussions.
Background: The MAHA Agenda
The push for reform gained momentum in early 2025 with the creation of the MAHA Commission under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The initiative set ambitious goals, including:
- Lowering rates of obesity and chronic disease
- Reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods
- Limiting exposure to harmful chemicals, especially in children
- Eliminating petroleum-based food dyes
- Reforming the “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) system
- Promoting greater transparency across the food industry
Federal agencies like the FDA, HHS, and EPA have already begun acting on these priorities through rulemaking, enforcement changes, and voluntary compliance efforts. However, achieving these goals fully will require legislative backing and coordination across agencies.
Ongoing Regulatory Developments
Several major regulatory actions are already underway:
- A proposed overhaul of the GRAS system could require companies to notify the FDA before introducing new ingredients
- New rules limiting sodium in standardized foods are under review
- Efforts are in progress to define “ultra-processed foods” more clearly
- Plans to restructure HHS could lead to the creation of an “Administration for a Healthy America” (AHA)
- Front-of-package nutrition labeling rules are still under consideration
These efforts reflect a broader shift toward stricter oversight and greater consumer awareness.
Rising State-Level Pressure
While federal reforms move slowly, states are advancing their own food safety laws—creating a patchwork of regulations.
For example, New York recently passed legislation requiring companies to disclose when they classify additives as GRAS and to share supporting safety data. The law also bans certain additives, including Red No. 3 and potassium bromate.
Similar actions across multiple states have increased pressure on Congress to establish nationwide standards. For the food industry, this raises a key issue: federal preemption—ensuring federal rules override conflicting state laws.
Key Legislative Proposals
Lawmakers are considering a wide array of bills that could significantly reshape food regulation. Some of the most notable proposals include:
Reforming Food Additives and GRAS
- Grocery Reform and Safety (GRAS) Act: Would eliminate self-determined GRAS status and require FDA review
- GRAS Oversight and Transparency Act: Proposes a review board to reassess older safety determinations
- Food Chemical Reassessment Act: Calls for regular safety reviews of additives
Strengthening Food Safety and Oversight
- FDA Review and Evaluation Act: Introduces mandatory ingredient notifications and ongoing reviews
- Baby Food Safety Act: Sets limits on toxic metals in infant foods
- Infant Formula Safety Modernization Act: Expands testing and safety requirements
Improving Labeling and Consumer Awareness
- Food Labeling Modernization Act: Updates nutrition labeling standards
- TRUTH in Labeling Act: Introduces clear front-of-package warnings for high sugar, sodium, and fat
- No Tricks on Treat Act: Requires clear labeling of synthetic dyes and additives
Regulating Ingredients and Additives
- Do or Dye Act / Ban Harmful Food Dyes Act: Target synthetic dyes linked to health concerns
- Sarah Katz Caffeine Safety Act: Mandates clearer caffeine labeling
Supporting Transparency and Data Sharing
- Dietary Supplement Listing Act: Requires companies to disclose product details to the FDA
- Food Safety Information Sharing Act: Expands data sharing between agencies
Other Notable Measures
- Standardized food date labeling to reduce waste
- Clear definitions for products like honey and natural cheese
- Labeling rules for plant-based and lab-grown foods
- Restrictions on harmful contaminants in imports and ingredients
What Happens Next?
Despite strong interest, passing sweeping reforms won’t be easy. Congress faces a packed schedule, political pressures, and competing legislative priorities. As a result, many of these bills may struggle to advance quickly.
In the meantime, federal agencies are expected to continue pushing changes through existing regulatory authority—tightening enforcement, issuing new rules, and gathering data to support future actions.
The upcoming hearing could lead to committee markups, where lawmakers refine and combine proposals before sending them to the House floor. It also signals growing bipartisan attention to food safety and public health.
Final Thoughts
The current wave of proposals represents one of the most significant efforts in years to reshape how food is regulated in the United States. From stricter oversight of additives to clearer labeling and improved infant nutrition standards, the direction is clear: more transparency, stronger safety measures, and greater accountability.
For businesses in the food and supplement industries, staying informed and prepared will be critical. While the path to reform may be gradual, the long-term impact could fundamentally change how products are developed, marketed, and regulated.
