Citizen Petition from David A. Kessler

The commenter supports the petition to remove the current GRAS standard to increase food transparency and manufacturer accountability. They cite personal health improvements from avoiding ultra-processed foods as a reason for their support.

J. Bohn Popp, owner of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries, opposes the proposed action to remove refined grains from GRAS status. The commenter argues that enriched grains have been a highly successful and cost-effective public health tool for preventing nutrient deficiency diseases and birth defects.

Ric Bayly, an epidemiologist and writer for EatingInAmerica.co, supports the petition to revoke the "Generally Recognized As Safe" status of ultra-processed food (UPF) substances. He argues that peer-reviewed studies link UPF consumption to chronic diseases and that these products are engineered for hyperpalatability, posing a significant public health risk.

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) opposes the citizen petition to revoke the GRAS status of refined carbohydrates used in industrial processing. They argue that the petition lacks credible scientific evidence linking these specific carbohydrates to adverse health outcomes and that the ingredients have a long history of safe use.

The North American Millers' Association (NAMA) opposes the petition to revoke the GRAS status of refined carbohydrates, arguing that such an action is not supported by scientific consensus and would remove safe, nutritious ingredients from the food supply. They contend that the petition misrepresents the science on "ultra-processed foods" and fails to distinguish between industrial and home use of these ingredients.

A private individual supports Dr. David A. Kessler's petition to reassess the GRAS status of industrially refined carbohydrates like corn syrups and maltodextrins. The commenter argues that these ingredients are pervasive in the food supply and cause physiological issues like hunger rebound and cravings, necessitating a transparent, evidence-based scientific review.

David A. Kessler argues that the food industry should face stricter regulations and that the burden of proof for safety should fall on producers. He specifically opposes the "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) designation for food additives, calling for more oversight on food processing.