The sneaky way companies get new chemicals into our food
Planet Money
May 29
The sneaky way companies get new chemicals into our food
The sneaky way companies get new chemicals into our food
Planet Money
May 29
This episode of Planet Money uncovers a massive loophole in the U.S. food safety system that allows companies to add new chemicals to our food without FDA approval. The story begins with a linguistics professor's severe illness after eating a lentil product, which leads to the discovery of a secret process that has allowed thousands of untested ingredients into the food supply.
The podcast reveals how a 1958 law intended to require FDA approval for new food additives was undermined by a loophole called GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). Originally meant for common ingredients like sugar, companies now use this exemption to self-certify new chemicals, with 99% of food additives entering the market this way. The story centers on a case where Daily Harvest added taara flour to a lentil crumble, causing hundreds of people to suffer severe health issues including liver damage and gallbladder removal. Attorney Bill Marler successfully sued on behalf of victims, securing a $32 million settlement, but critics argue the system lacks accountability and needs reform. The episode highlights the tension between safety and innovation in the U.S. food regulatory system.
00:01
00:01
She describes herself as exuberant but recently feels fragile like an orchid.
05:17
05:17
System designed to react only after harm occurs
14:24
14:24
99% of food chemicals are added this way
26:12
26:12
The honor system discourages rigorous testing.
35:41
35:41
The current GRAS system is too broad.
