By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) outlined food regulation priorities for 2026 that would change the process for determining the safety of ingredients and expanding the role of state agencies in food inspections.

The list is in line with goals administration officials have set publicly, including the pledge to tighten the regulation of food ingredients.

One of the most notable priorities is revising the process used to determine whether food substances are “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS). Under the current voluntary notification system, companies may introduce a human or animal food substance deemed GRAS under the conditions of its intended use without FDA notice or review.

“In 2026, FDA will publish a proposed regulation to require the submission to FDA of GRAS notices for all substances claimed to be GRAS,” the agency said.

The agency is also prioritizing efforts to reduce risks linked to high consumption of ultra-processed foods. FDA plans to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal partners to analyze data and public input collected through a recent request for information, as officials work toward a federal definition of ultra-processed foods.

Labeling is another major focus with the FDA continuing to evaluate front-of-package nutrition labeling through an ongoing public comment process. The agency will re-examine a 2025 rule allowing voluntary use of the term “healthy” to ensure it aligns with the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

FDA also plans to develop best practices for caffeine content labeling across packaged foods, beverages, restaurants and retail settings.

The agency will develop recommendations regarding labeling of ingredients that could be allergens or impact certain health conditions, like gluten for those with celiac disease.

Additional initiatives include shifting away from petroleum-based food dyes toward natural alternatives. FDA plans to issue guidance on fruit- and vegetable-derived color additives and prioritize reviews of natural color submissions.

FDA also plans to release new exposure data on heavy metals and contaminants, including lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and PFAS, and to begin modernizing infant formula nutrient requirements based on updated science and public input.

The agency will launch the Better Regulatory Inspections for Dynamic Government Efficiency (BRIDGE) initiative. This effort will rely on state partners to carry out more routine food safety systems inspections, while still maintaining FDA’s national standards.

“This will allow the agency to focus its resources toward international, and high risk, complex and targeted inspection activities,” FDA said. “This modernized inspection approach will enhance public health protections by increasing industry coverage and maximizing the return on investment of federal and state resources. With FDA-provided support, a ‘proof of process’ will begin in 2026 with full implementation occurring over the following four years.”

Produce safety efforts will include expanded training on agricultural water requirements through the Produce Safety Alliance and a new training regimen for sprout producers based on the updated FDA sprout guidance documents. Other priorities include joint research on salmonella in cantaloupes, data-sharing pilots for leafy greens, cucumber safety initiatives and strengthened partnerships with Mexico on produce imports.

FDA aims to promote contamination prevention through enhanced training and education for dairy and egg producers, including a high-risk dairy course for state regulators, examinations of cheese aging practices, new outreach efforts for small ice cream producers and new education and outreach efforts for small egg producers.

The agency also plans to release an updated Food Code in 2026, giving state regulators a refreshed framework for modernizing food safety rules.