Parker Waichman LLP

Food Industry Has “Undue Influence” Over Additives, Study Finds

A newly published study says U.S. food companies have “undue influence” in vouching for the safety of common food additives such as salt, trans fats, and artificial sweeteners. The analysis, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, showed that all 451 notices of additive safety voluntarily submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 1997 […]

food_industry_has_much_influenceA newly published study says U.S. food companies have “undue influence” in vouching for the safety of common food additives such as salt, trans fats, and artificial sweeteners.

The analysis, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, showed that all 451 notices of additive safety voluntarily submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 1997 and 2012 came from people with a vested interest in the outcome of the assessment. Under current practices, companies are allowed to decide whether their additives can be classified as GRAS—generally recognized as safe—and voluntarily inform the FDA of their decisions, according to Reuters Health.

Additives are typically used to enhance flavor or color or as preservatives. When a manufacturer notifies the FDA that it believes an additive is safe, the agency either affirms the GRAS determination or informs the manufacturer that the notice did not provide enough evidence for the decision, according to Reuters Health.

Thomas Neltner, director of the Pew Charitable Trusts’ food additives project, who led the study, suggests the GRAS program could reduce conflicts of interest by adopting rules that exclude people with food-industry ties from submitting safety notices.

In analyzing additive notices submitted to the FDA, Neltner’s group found that 22 percent were made by an employee of the additive manufacturer; about 13 percent by employees of consulting firms hired by manufacturers; and another 64 percent were submitted by food safety expert panels whose members were picked by either manufacturers or consulting firms. According to Reuters Health, none of the panel members were selected by third parties.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO), in a 2010 report, found multiple instances of the FDA prohibiting an additive previously recognized as GRAS, but the GAO says that the FDA’s oversight process does not help ensure the safety of all new GRAS determinations. The FDA says it plans to issue guidance to the food industry on meeting the GRAS criteria, Reuters Health reports.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Julie Trinidad has been assigned to my case as my case manager - she’s wonderful. Answers all my questions & concerns. As well as JoAnne Stevens the Nurse who has been assigned to my case. Both ladies have been so informative so kind so professional so helpful!
Robert Metzger
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value My husband and I wants to thank Christina Morace for all the good work she has done for us. I will recommend this law firm to anyone that wants results with their claims. Thank you Parker Waichman LLP.
Christine Thorpe
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman did an outstanding job handling my case. They help me every step of the way and explain what needed to be done to secure my settlement. They were on top of my paper work and reminded me when items were do. I would highly recommend this firm!
Cynthia Yousef
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038