Conflicts of Interest in Approvals of Additives to Food Out of Balance

A recent article in JAMA Internal Medicine concludes that between 1997 and 2012, financial conflicts of interest were ubiquitous in determinations that an additive to food was generally regarded as safe (GRAS). The lack of independent review in GRAS determinations raises concerns about the integrity of the process and whether it ensures the safety of the food supply, particularly in instances where the manufacturer does not notify the Food and Drug Administration of the determination.