The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting a comprehensive reassessment of chemicals in the food supply, reviewing everything from preservatives and food additives to environmental contaminants that may pose health risks. This ongoing effort, which includes a formal list of select chemicals under review as of August 2025, represents a significant shift in how the agency monitors food safety beyond initial approval .

What Chemicals Is the FDA Currently Reviewing?

The FDA's review process covers multiple categories of substances found in everyday foods. These include food ingredients that were previously approved as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS), color additives, food contact substances like packaging materials, and environmental contaminants that accumulate in crops and processed foods .

Some of the most notable chemicals under active reassessment include:

• Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA): A chemical preservative used in foods that the FDA initiated a formal Request for Information about on February 10, 2026, to evaluate its ongoing safety in the food supply.
• 4-Methylimidazole (4-MEI): An impurity found in caramel color used in many processed foods, beverages, and sauces; the FDA has identified potential safety concerns and is working to obtain information on current manufacturing controls.
• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Chemicals used in food contact materials and paperboard packaging that can migrate into food; manufacturers have agreed to phase out grease-proofing agents containing PFAS, with all such products removed from the U.S. market as of February 2024.
• Bisphenol A (BPA): A chemical used in food contact substances like can linings and plastic containers that the FDA continues to evaluate as new safety data becomes available.
• Arsenic: An environmental contaminant found in foods like rice and apple juice; the FDA is developing action levels specifically for inorganic arsenic in processed foods intended for babies and young children under 2 years of age.
• 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (MCPD) esters and Glycidyl Esters (GE): Process contaminants found in infant formula and foods made with refined vegetable oils; recent FDA testing shows reduced levels in infant formula products following industry engagement.

Why Is the FDA Reassessing Chemicals That Were Already Approved?

The FDA's post-market assessment program exists because new scientific evidence emerges over time. Chemicals approved decades ago may have been evaluated with limited data compared to what researchers understand today about long-term health effects, particularly for vulnerable populations like infants and young children .

The agency may initiate reassessments in response to citizen petitions, requests from external stakeholders, or on its own initiative when new information warrants a closer look. This transparency approach allows the FDA to fill data gaps and follow up on information reported in scientific literature and other available sources .

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Chemicals Under FDA Review

• Read ingredient labels carefully: Look for foods that avoid BHA and other synthetic preservatives; choose products preserved with vitamin E, rosemary extract, or ascorbic acid instead, which are considered safer alternatives by many clean eating advocates.
• Choose fresh and whole foods over processed options: Whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes avoid many of the additives and contaminants found in packaged products, including caramel color (which contains 4-MEI) commonly used in sodas, sauces, and baked goods.
• Select glass or stainless steel containers: When possible, store and heat food in glass or stainless steel rather than plastic or canned goods to minimize exposure to BPA and PFAS from food contact materials.
• Prioritize organic or tested baby foods: For infants and young children, choose baby foods that have been tested for arsenic and other contaminants, or prepare homemade options using filtered water and organic produce when feasible.
• Filter your drinking water: Use a water filter certified to remove arsenic and other contaminants, particularly if you live in an area with known water quality concerns or rely on well water.

What Happens When the FDA Finds a Chemical Is Unsafe?

The FDA has several regulatory tools at its disposal depending on the severity of safety concerns identified during reassessment. If new information indicates that a chemical's use in food is unsafe, the agency may revoke authorizations or approvals for certain uses, work with industry on voluntary market phase-out agreements, issue recalls, or alert consumers to potential risks .

A recent example demonstrates this process in action. When the FDA reviewed PFAS chemicals used in food contact materials, manufacturers voluntarily agreed to phase out grease-proofing agents containing these substances. By February 2024, all such products had been removed from the U.S. market, showing that regulatory pressure can drive meaningful change in the food industry .

Similarly, the FDA's engagement with infant formula manufacturers regarding 3-MCPDE and GE contaminants led to measurable reductions in these substances. The agency continues to monitor levels and will maintain oversight as the industry works toward further improvements .

What Should Clean Eaters Know About This Ongoing Review?

The FDA's commitment to regularly updating its list of chemicals under review signals a more proactive approach to food safety. Rather than assuming that approved ingredients remain safe indefinitely, the agency now acknowledges that reassessment is necessary as scientific understanding evolves .

For consumers committed to clean eating, this transparency offers both reassurance and actionable information. You can monitor the FDA's official list of chemicals under review to stay informed about potential risks in your food supply. The agency anticipates updating this table regularly, providing an opportunity to make informed choices about which products and ingredients to prioritize or avoid .

The bottom line: clean eating isn't just about avoiding obvious junk food. It's about understanding which chemicals are in your pantry, which ones regulators are questioning, and which alternatives might better support your health. By choosing whole foods, reading labels, and staying informed about FDA reviews, you can take control of your exposure to substances that scientists are still evaluating for safety.