The sneaky way companies get new chemicals into our food

Planet Money

1 DAYS AGO

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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

She describes herself as exuberant but recently feels fragile like an orchid.

05:17

System designed to react only after harm occurs

14:24

99% of food chemicals are added this way

26:12

The honor system discourages rigorous testing.

35:41

The current GRAS system is too broad.