California Proposes Major GRAS Legislation to Enhance Food Safety

On February 17, 2026, California introduced Assembly Bill 2034 (AB 2034), a significant legislative effort aimed at enhancing the safety of food ingredients classified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS). If enacted, this legislation would require food manufacturers to present evidence to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) demonstrating the safety of any color additive, food additive, or dietary ingredient introduced after 1958 that has not undergone a pre-market review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

AB 2034 mandates that the CDPH maintain a public database to publish these safety assessments. Additionally, manufacturers would be obligated to submit a comprehensive list of ingredients for their products if those ingredients are not already detailed on the packaging. This includes incidental additives and other substances exempt from labeling under 21 CFR 101.100. The CDPH is also tasked with reviewing evidence on at least ten food substances available in the market every three years. This review aims to prevent the use of “unsafe and poorly tested” chemicals in food products sold within the state.

Legislative Support and Implications

The bill is sponsored by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which argues that the proposed legislation could have national ramifications. CSPI has pointed out the longstanding inadequacies of the FDA in safeguarding consumers from potentially harmful food chemicals.

Assemblymember Dawn Addis, the author of the bill, emphasized that AB 2034 seeks to “close federal loopholes” associated with the GRAS program. This statement reflects a broader concern about regulatory gaps that allow certain additives to enter the food supply without sufficient oversight.

In recent discussions surrounding food safety, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared on the program 60 Minutes, alongside former FDA Commissioner Dr. David Kessler. They highlighted the urgent need for reform regarding the so-called “GRAS loophole,” underscoring the growing focus on food safety both at the state and federal levels.

Context and Future Developments

The introduction of AB 2034 aligns with ongoing efforts to scrutinize food safety regulations in the United States. California’s initiative may prompt similar actions in other states, especially given the increasing public demand for safer food practices.

As the legislative process unfolds, the impact of AB 2034 will depend on its reception among lawmakers and industry stakeholders. If passed, this bill could mark a pivotal moment in the regulation of food additives and the protection of consumer health in California and beyond.