A citizen petition has been submitted to the US Department of Health and Human Services seeking to remove the Generally Recognized As Safe status from multiple refined carbohydrates. The petition argues that data used to grant GRAS designation decades ago no longer reflect modern understanding of chronic exposure, additive interactions, or long-term health impacts.
The ingredients under review include refined sweeteners such as corn syrup, dextrose, glucose syrups, maltose, high-fructose corn syrup, and maltodextrin. Refined flours and starches, including wheat, corn, tapioca, oat, and potato, as well as derivatives processed with extrusion or extraction technologies, are also included. Additional items cited are emulsifiers, dough conditioners, stabilisers, humectants, modified starches, and fillers commonly used in commercial baking.
If approved, the petition could require industry to notify the FDA within 12 months of intent to file food additive petitions for these products. The review would involve detailed evaluation of each ingredient and a period for public, industry, and academic comment. Analysts note the process is expected to take significantly longer than the conventional 180-day period.
The move comes amid rising health concerns in the United States, where 74% of adults are overweight or obese and approximately one in three adolescents have prediabetes. Advocates argue that ultra-processed foods, including refined carbohydrates, contribute to these trends.
Industry groups are preparing for regulatory engagement. The American Bakers Association is participating in a public consultation to define ultra-processed foods and emphasises the nutritional value of enriched products such as fortified breads. Regulatory bodies are likely to establish a clear definition of ultra-processed foods before acting on the petition.