List of Select Chemicals in the Food Supply Under FDA Review
On August 19, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated this list of select chemicals currently under the agency’s review to provide more insight on the status of the FDA’s post-market assessments of chemicals in the food supply. The agency first published a list in July 2023 and previously updated it in March 2024. FDA will continue to update the list periodically.
The FDA assesses the safety of exposure to chemicals in the food supply. This includes ingredients considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS), food additives, color additives, food contact substances, and contaminants.
The FDA may initiate post-market assessments in response to requests from external stakeholders, such as through petitions, and on the agency’s initiative when a review is warranted based on new information. We may reassess the safety of food ingredients, food contact substances, and contaminants as new, relevant data become available. The FDA is committed to continuing its evaluation of all relevant scientific information and data when considering whether regulatory action is warranted to ensure the safety of the food supply.
While this table is not intended to be a comprehensive list, it includes some of the contaminants that we are focused on as part of our established programs, such as the Closer to Zero initiative. It also includes some of the chemicals that are of interest among stakeholders who have asked the FDA to review their safety through petitions, including citizen petitions. The FDA anticipates updating this table regularly to provide transparency on our reviews of chemicals in the food supply.
Information about the Food Ingredients and Food Contact Substances Listed in the Table
Many of the food ingredients or food contact substances listed in the table were previously reviewed by FDA. Our reassessments will help fill data gaps and follow up on information reported in the literature and other available information, focusing on food ingredients and food contact substances that may present the most significant public health concerns. Our reassessments are also in response to petitions, which is a way for stakeholders to ask the FDA to establish or change a regulation or to take other administrative action. If new information becomes available from our reassessments indicating that the intended use in food of a chemical is unsafe, the FDA would take further action as warranted. Depending on the results of our reassessments, some of these actions may include revoking authorizations or approvals for certain uses, working with industry on voluntary market phase-out agreements and recalls, and issuing alerts and informing consumers.
Information about the Contaminants Listed in the Table
The table includes some environmental and process contaminants under FDA review. The FDA monitors the food supply for contaminants by testing both domestic and imported foods through several different programs. We are currently reviewing the items on the list below to inform our regulatory actions and help minimize, to the greatest extent possible, consumers’ exposure to unavoidable contaminants from foods. Action levels are one regulatory tool the FDA uses to help lower levels of chemical contaminants in foods when a certain level of a contaminant is unavoidable. While action levels do not establish a permissible level of contamination, they indicate a level of contamination at which a food may be regarded as adulterated under the law.
Search the table below by chemical name, type, or other details shown in the table to find more information about our reviews.
The table below includes select food ingredients (including food and color additives), food contact substances, and contaminants under FDA review as of August 19, 2025.
| Chemical Name | Chemical Type | Risk Review Step | Date Review Initiated | Most Recent Risk Management Action: | Public Input (Docket, Public Meeting, and RFI) | Related Documents | More Information About the FDA's Review and Related Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (MCPD) esters and Glycidyl Esters (GE) | Process Contaminant | Risk Management Action | *2023-07-12 | 2024-03-04 | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA analyzes infant formula and other foods made with refined edible oils, such as vegetable oils, to evaluate levels of 3-MCPDE and GE. The FDA engaged with industry to discuss mitigation efforts and encourage reductions in 3-MCPDE and GE levels in U.S. infant formula. The FDA’s recent testing results show reduced 3-MCPDE and GE in infant formula products. The FDA will continue to monitor the levels of 3-MCPDE and GE in infant formulas. |
| 4-Methylimidazole (4-MEI) CAS Number 822-36-6 | Food Ingredient Impurity and Process Contaminant | Risk Management Review | *2023-07-12 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA has evaluated data and identified potential safety concerns with levels of 4-MEI in caramel color III and IV. The FDA is working to obtain information on current levels and manufacturing controls to ensure caramel color used in foods does not contain 4-MEI at levels that would raise concerns. |
| Arsenic | Environmental Contaminant | Risk Management Review | *2023-07-12 | 2025-01-06 | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA analyzes total and inorganic arsenic levels in foods collected through several testing programs and surveys. The FDA posted updated arsenic data on food intended for babies and young children in 2025 and is also working on developing action levels for inorganic arsenic in processed foods intended for babies and young children under 2 years of age. On June 1, 2023, the FDA issued guidance to industry on an action level for inorganic arsenic in ready to drink apple juice. |
| Authorized food contact substances that contain Certain Short-Chain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in food contact and paperboard Other names include: 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) | Food Contact Substance Impurity | Risk Management Action Completed | *2023-07-12 | 2025-01-06 | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | Following an FDA safety review, manufacturers agreed to phase out substances containing PFAS authorized for use on food contact paper and paperboard. In February 2024, the FDA announced that all grease-proofing agents containing PFAS are no longer being sold in the U.S. For more information, please see Authorized Uses of PFAS in Food Contact Applications and Market Phase-Out of Grease-Proofing Substances Containing PFAS. The agency also continues research to better understand the health effects of short-chain PFAS. |
| Authorized PFAS: Uses of other Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in food contact applications | Food Contact Substance Impurity | Risk and Safety Assessment | *2023-07-12 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA monitors the latest information about all remaining authorized uses of PFAS in food contact applications, such as processing equipment. These uses are primarily for durable repeat use equipment where the equipment manufacturing process results in negligible potential for migration and human exposure through food. This would include PFAS that are not short- or long-chain, which are addressed by other FDA initiatives. |
| Bisphenol A (BPA) | Food Contact Substance | Risk and Safety Assessment | *2023-07-12 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA evaluates information about BPA as it becomes available. The FDA is also currently reviewing a Food Additive Petition filed on May 2, 2022. |
| Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) | Food Ingredient | Risk Management Action Completed | *2023-07-12 | 2024-07-03 | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA evaluated the available information about BVO and identified areas where additional information about possible health effects was needed. The FDA also collaborated on studies with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. On July 3, 2024, the FDA issued a final rule to revoke the regulation allowing the use of BVO in food. |
| Cadmium | Environmental Contaminant | Risk Management Action | *2023-07-12 | 2025-01-06 | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA analyzes the results of cadmium levels in foods through several testing programs and surveys. The FDA completed reassessment of the cadmium toxicological reference values in 2023 and updated estimates of exposure to cadmium using updated survey data from the Total Diet Study in 2024. The FDA also posted updated cadmium data on foods intended for babies and young children in 2025 and is working on developing draft action levels for cadmium in processed foods intended for babies and young children under 2 years of age. |
| FD&C Red No. 3 | Food Ingredient | Risk Management Action Completed | *2023-07-12 | 2025-01-16 | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | On January 15, 2025, the FDA issued an order to revoke the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs based on the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). |
| Fluorinated High-Density polyethylene (HDPE) | Food Contact Substance | Review of Information | *2023-07-12 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA reviews available data, including comments from the request for information issued on July 20, 2022. |
| Irgafos 168 (Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite) | Food Contact Substance | Risk Management Action Completed | *2023-07-12 | 2023-06-17 | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA’s review concluded that Irgafos 168 is safe under current conditions of use and the review was presented in 2021 and no risk management action is warranted. On June 17, 2023, the FDA published the review. Read more about Irgafos. |
| Lead | Food Contact Substance Impurity | Risk Management Action Completed | *2025-01-06 | 2025-08-13 | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | On August 13, 2025, the FDA issued a warning about imported cookware that may leach lead. On December 12, 2024, the FDA issued a letter to retailers and distributors of cookware products to inform them that certain imported cookware products made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium, demonstrate the potential to leach lead into food and that this cookware should not be distributed or sold in the U.S. market. |
| Lead | Environmental Contaminant | Risk Management Action | *2023-07-12 | 2025-01-07 | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA analyzes the results of lead levels in foods through several testing programs and surveys. The FDA updated estimates of exposure to lead using updated survey data from the Total Diet Study in 2024. On January 6, 2025, the FDA issued guidance to industry on action levels for lead in processed foods that are intended for babies and children under two years of age. The FDA is also working on finalizing action levels for lead in juice. In 2024, the FDA took steps to monitor lead in ground cinnamon following the investigation of elevated lead and chromium levels in apple cinnamon puree products. |
| Mercury | Environmental Contaminant | Risk Management Review | *2023-07-12 | 2024-06-07 | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA analyzes the results of total mercury and methylmercury levels in foods through several testing programs and surveys. The FDA has collaborated with other federal agencies to support the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s review of the available data related to the scientific evidence regarding seafood and child growth and development to support a more holistic view of seafood consumption. In May 2024, NASEM published the final version of the FDA co-sponsored report. The agency is considering the findings in the NASEM report, along with other data and information, to inform the joint FDA and EPA Advice About Eating Fish and the Closer to Zero Initiative. |
| Mycotoxins (T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin and zearalenone) | Environmental Contaminant | Risk Management Review | *2024-03-04 | 2024-09-26 | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA recently updated the mycotoxin compliance program for human food to include monitoring of additional mycotoxins of regulatory interest. The new data will support enforcement actions, risk assessments, and international activities, as well as provide information on mycotoxin incidence, extent of contamination, and co-occurrence. On May 31, 2024, the FDA announced that sufficient laboratory capacity has been reached for certain import-related food testing, specifically for mycotoxins, under the Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods program. |
| Partially Hydrogenated Oil (PHO) | Food Ingredient | Risk Management Action Completed | *2023-07-12 | 2023-08-09 | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA reviewed the available scientific evidence about the health risks associated with the consumption of PHOs, including the findings of expert scientific panels. We also reviewed food additive petitions from industry and NGOs. In 2015, the FDA revoked the GRAS status for PHOs. For most uses of PHOs, the FDA also established June 18, 2018, as the date after which manufacturers could no longer add PHOs to food On August 9, 2023, FDA issued a direct final rule to remove all mention of PHOs from the FDA's regulations and as an ingredient in standards of identity. We also revoked all prior sanctions for uses of PHOs in food. On December 13, 2023, the FDA announced the effective date for the direct final rule regarding the revocation of uses of PHOs in food. Read more about PHOs (see Trans Fat). |
| Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) | Environmental Contaminant | Risk Management Review | *2023-07-12 | 2025-04-14 | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA analyzes foods and reviews the available data, including evaluating exposure from seafood using the agency’s Total Diet Study samples and other surveys. On April 18, 2024, the FDA shared updates on agency activities to better understand PFAS in the general food supply, including recent testing results, continued efforts to supplement PFAS data and monitoring activities, and an updated analytical method to measure PFAS. On December 18, 2024, the FDA shared our latest testing results for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in clams On February 18, 2025, the FDA added the first firms to a new import alert (99-48) for human food products with detectable levels of chemical contaminants, in this case PFAS, that may present a safety concern to human health. On April 14, 2025, the FDA shared updates on its testing results for PFAS in bottled water. |
| Phthalates Other names include: ortho-phthalates, plasticizers, and components of adhesives, resins, lubricants, and sealants | Food Contact Substance | Risk and Safety Assessment | *2023-07-12 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA is working on an updated safety assessment of the remaining authorized uses of phthalates, including considering information the FDA has received through a request for information. |
| Potassium Bromate | Food Ingredient | Review of Information | *2024-03-04 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA worked with the American Bakers Association to help industry improve baking technology and testing so that the ingredient is used in a way that minimizes residual bromate levels to ensure safety. |
| Propylparaben | Food Ingredient and Food Contact Substance | Risk and Safety Assessment | *2024-03-04 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA evaluates information about propylparaben as it becomes available. |
| Thallium | Environmental Contaminant | Risk and Safety Assessment | *2024-03-04 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA analyzes the results of thallium levels in foods, and we are reviewing published studies on thallium toxicity. The FDA also plans to review results from ongoing U.S. National Toxicology Program studies when they become available. In 2023, the U.S. delegation to the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods nominated thallium to the Priority List of Contaminants and Naturally Occurring Toxicants for Evaluation by the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). This nomination will encourage countries worldwide to collect occurrence data and toxicology information for a future risk evaluation by JECFA. |
| Titanium Dioxide | Food Ingredient | Risk and Safety Assessment | *2024-03-04 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA evaluates new information about titanium dioxide as it becomes available, including reviewing safety assessments and actions by other regulatory authorities. |
| Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) | Food Ingredient | Review of Information | 2025-08-19 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA, CAS no. 25013-16-5) is used as an antioxidant in food to prevent the spoilage of fats and oils. BHA for food use is a mixture of predominantly 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (3-BHA, CAS no. 121-00-6), with varying amounts of 2-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (2-BHA, CAS no. 88-32-4). The FDA is beginning a post-market assessment of the safety of BHA as used in food and food contact materials. To facilitate our post-market scientific assessment, we intend to seek data and information from stakeholders on:
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| Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) | Food Ingredient | Review of Information | 2025-08-19 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, CAS no. 128-37-0) is used as an antioxidant in food to prevent the spoilage of fats and oils. The FDA is beginning a post-market assessment of the safety of BHT as used in food and food contact materials. To facilitate our post-market scientific assessment, we intend to seek data and information from stakeholders on:
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| Azodicarbonamide (ADA) | Food Ingredient | Review of Information | 2025-08-19 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | Azodicarbonamide (ADA, CAS no. 123-77-3) is used as a whitening agent and dough conditioner in breadmaking and has applications in manufacturing food contact materials. The FDA is beginning a post-market assessment of the safety of ADA as used in food and food contact materials. To facilitate our post-market scientific assessment, we intend to seek data and information from stakeholders on:
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| FD&C Blue No. 1 | Food Ingredient | Risk Management Action | 2025-08-19 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | See: HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation’s Food Supply |
| FD&C Blue No. 2 | Food Ingredient | Risk Management Action | 2025-08-19 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | See: HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation’s Food Supply |
| FD&C Green No. 3 | Food Ingredient | Risk Management Action | 2025-08-19 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | See: HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation’s Food Supply |
| FD&C Red No. 40 | Food Ingredient | Risk Management Action | 2025-08-19 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | See: HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation’s Food Supply |
| FD&C Yellow No. 5 | Food Ingredient | Risk Management Action | 2025-08-19 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | See: HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation’s Food Supply |
| FD&C Yellow No. 6 | Food Ingredient | Risk Management Action | 2025-08-19 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | See: HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation’s Food Supply |
| Opiate Alkaloids on Poppy Seeds | Food Ingredient Impurity | Risk Management Review | 2025-08-19 | NA | Comment period closed or a docket was not opened. | NA | The FDA has been working to expand our understanding of opiate alkaloids on poppy seeds. On January 15, 2025, the FDA issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking information to better understand the agricultural, industry, manufacturing, and supply chain practices currently being used, and whether certain practices increase or reduce the presence of opiate alkaloids on poppy seeds. Based on comments submitted to the RFI, as well as information from other sources, FDA is considering draft guidance for industry concerning an action level(s) for opiate alkaloids on poppy seeds. |
* For those substances with initiation dates before August 19, 2025, the initiation date is the date the substance first appeared on this list and may not directly correlate to the actual start date of the post-market assessment.
Table Definitions:
- Environmental Contaminant: A chemical not intentionally added to foods but present in foods because they are in the soil, water, or air where foods are grown, raised, or processed and that have the potential to cause harm.
- Food Contact Substance: A chemical that comes into contact with food and is not intended to have a technical effect in such food. This includes substances used in food packaging and its components, processing equipment, food preparation surfaces, or cookware.
- Food Contact Substance Impurity: A chemical component of the food contact substance that is not the food contact substance itself.
- Food Ingredient Impurity: A chemical component of an ingredient that is not the ingredient itself.
- Process Contaminant: Undesired chemical by-products that can form during food processing, especially when heating, drying, or fermenting foods.
Steps in Our Risk Reviews
In general, for each of the chemicals in this table, we are progressing through a series of steps to evaluate its potential risks or have completed our review and/or any corresponding actions. The process is a science-based, iterative approach to continually evaluate risks over time. Evaluating the risks of chemicals in the food supply is part of our commitment to food safety.
Review of Information
The FDA reviews information about a food ingredient, food contact substance or contaminant to determine if we need to move into Risk and Safety Assessment. We may obtain this information by participating in international scientific and standard-setting activities, attending scientific conferences, and other means of engaging with public health and research stakeholders. We also review peer reviewed scientific literature and information released by other agencies.
Risk and Safety Assessment
The FDA assesses whether available information about a chemical suggests a possible safety concern. We assess the possible health effects on consumers, including vulnerable populations like children, by understanding the risk, the level (or amount) of the chemical that would produce the risk, and compare it to the level of the chemical in food. To do this, we use tools and data in toxicology, exposure assessment and mathematical modeling, prioritization, and assessment, some of which the FDA has developed. Once completed, the agency moves into Risk Management Review.
Risk Management Review
The FDA moves from assessment to determining whether action is necessary to protect public health. The FDA may request new data from industry or other stakeholders, collect new analytical or exposure information or conduct exposure or safety studies. Results from these data and studies help determine whether the agency takes a Risk Management Action.
Risk Management Action
Actions the FDA takes to protect public health may include revoking authorizations or approvals for certain uses, working with industry on voluntary market phase-out agreements and recalls, developing action levels for contaminants, issuing alerts, and informing consumers and industry. The FDA continues monitoring new information for possible safety issues and takes additional actions if warranted, including Review of Information, Risk and Safety Assessment or Risk Management Review.
Risk Management Action Completed
FDA has completed risk management action(s) following a risk and safety assessment and risk management review. The FDA continues monitoring new information for possible safety issues and takes additional actions if warranted. While FDA is no longer actively assessing the chemical, it remains on this list for public information purposes.
Related Information
- Food Chemical Safety
- Food Ingredients & Packaging
- Food Additive and Color Additive Petitions Under Review or Held in Abeyance
- Chemical Contaminants & Pesticides
- Mycotoxins
- FDA Voices Blog: How FDA’s New Approach to Reviewing Chemicals Added to Food Will Strengthen Food Safety
- CFSAN Conversations: FDA Works to Enhance the Assessment of Ingredients in Foods and Food Contact Substances on the Market
- Press Statement: FDA Proposes to Ban Food Additive, Continues Assessments of Additional Chemicals