WASHINGTON – Today the Food and Drug Administration announced an updated list of food chemicals under review of their safety.
The following is a statement from Melanie Benesh, EWG’s vice president for government affairs:
Many of the chemicals the FDA intends to review have already been banned by state regulators or are not chemicals directly added to food or packaging. Others have been under review by the FDA for years – in response to our petitions – with no end in sight and no deadlines announced today. Some harmful chemicals we have petitioned the FDA to address are not even included on the list.
Rather than reassure consumers wondering why the FDA has put the food and chemical industry in charge of food chemical safety, the FDA’s list will only raise new questions and concerns. States should not wait to protect consumers. Today’s announcement makes clear that the FDA lacks the resources and determination to do so.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
