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Yes.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates that more than 10,000 chemicals “have been authorized or are considered generally recognized as safe for use in food, or in contact with food in the U.S.”
The chemicals include food additives, color additives and chemicals used to make additives.
An Institute of Food Technologists journal reported in 2011 that the U.S. allows 10,000 additives in human food. An estimated 66% were approved by federal agencies, such as the FDA.
“Manufacturers and a trade association made the remaining decisions without (FDA) review by concluding that the substances were generally recognized as safe,” the researchers wrote.
The lead researcher, Thomas Neltner, told Wisconsin Watch he believes the count of chemicals is now 11,000.
Using the word “ingredients,” U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said Sept. 24, 2024, he heard the 10,000 statistic in testimony.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Google Docs: Email from FDA 10/29/24
Institute of Food Technologists: Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety: Navigating the U.S. Food Additive Regulatory Program
IHeart: Vicki McKenna Show – Aiding and Abetting – The Vicki McKenna Show
Google Docs: Ron Johnson food ingredients claim made Sept. 24, 2024
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