Analysis Reveals FDA Allows 25 Cancer-Causing Chemicals in US Food, Banned Globally
A new analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) reveals the FDA permits 25 chemicals linked to cancer in US food, many banned in the European Union. These substances, including formaldehyde and asbestos, are found in packaging, equipment, and even some direct additives, violating the 1958 Delaney Clause which prohibits carcinogenic food additives. EDF urges the FDA to enforce existing law, while the FDA states it's strengthening its post-market review process for food chemicals.
An analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) identifies 25 chemicals linked to cancer that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to allow in American food production. Eight are classified as known human carcinogens (e.g., asbestos, benzene, formaldehyde) and 17 are reasonably anticipated to be carcinogenic (e.g., methylene chloride, 1,4-dioxane). Many of these chemicals, unlike in the European Union, are permitted in materials contacting food, such as packaging and processing equipment, and even some direct applications like coffee decaffeination or spice extracts.EDF highlights the FDA's disregard for the 1958 Delaney Clause, which mandates banning food and color additives proven to cause cancer, regardless of dose. They argue the FDA possesses the immediate authority to remove these substances by enforcing existing law, noting many approvals are decades old and predate modern risk standards. The FDA, through a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson, declined to comment on the specific findings but stated it is implementing a strengthened post-market review process for food chemicals and advancing reforms to the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) framework. This ongoing allowance raises concerns about repeated consumer and worker exposure and potential cumulative health impacts.
