Last Updated on August 26, 2026 by higherring
Consumers deserve to know what’s in their food and how ingredients are evaluated for safety. That’s why we’re paying attention to two federal actions announced on August 10, 2026: a proposed rule requiring companies to notify the FDA when they determine an added substance is “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS), and the federal government’s first proposed definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), submitted by HHS and USDA.
Neither proposal immediately changes food labels, but both signal a growing focus on transparency and consumer access to information.
What the GRAS Proposal Would Change
Since 1958, companies have been able to determine that an ingredient is GRAS without formally notifying the FDA. While many voluntarily submit GRAS notifications, there has been no requirement to do so.
The proposed rule would change that by requiring manufacturers to notify the FDA whenever they determine a substance is GRAS. The FDA would then expand its public inventory of these notifications, providing greater visibility into ingredients entering the food supply.
In practical terms, this would establish a new baseline for transparency and give regulators, researchers, and consumers greater access to information about food ingredients.
The UPF Definition Is a First Step
The federal government’s proposed definition of ultra-processed foods has also drawn attention. However, it is important to note that the FDA’s submission is currently a white paper, not a binding regulatory standard.
Multiple definitions of UPFs are being considered across federal and state governments, including congressional proposals and California’s legally enforceable definition. This lack of consistency can make it difficult for consumers and industry to navigate the conversation.
A shared framework could eventually create greater consistency, but that standard has not yet emerged.
Why Transparency Matters
At ZEGO, we’ve always believed consumers should have access to meaningful information about the food they purchase. That’s why we created our Purity Verified program—to make information more accessible and help people make informed decisions.
Whether these proposals become regulation or the UPF conversation continues to evolve, our approach remains the same: provide information, make it accessible, and empower consumers to make informed choices.
Greater disclosure, traceability, and access to information can help build trust and accountability across the food system. Meaningful transparency shouldn’t have to wait for a mandate.
This post is based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ August 10, 2026 announcement and reporting on the FDA’s UPF white paper submission.