Federal: HR10913

Bill Summary

HR 10913, the Eliminating Dangerous Preservatives Act, amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to classify foods containing butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), or tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) as adulterated and therefore illegal for sale in the United States. The bill provides a two-year implementation period to allow food manufacturers time to reformulate their products and remove these synthetic preservatives from the food supply. During this transition, the FDA must issue implementing regulations and submit a report to Congress within three years documenting industry compliance, reformulation efforts, and any additional regulatory recommendations. These three preservatives are commonly used to prevent fat and oil spoilage in processed foods but have raised safety concerns among health advocates and consumers.

Why It Matters to MAHA

This bill directly aligns with MAHA's core mission to eliminate harmful synthetic additives from the American food supply and restore consumer confidence in food safety. BHA, BHT, and TBHQ are synthetic preservatives that have been restricted or banned in the European Union and other developed nations due to potential health risks, yet the FDA continues to permit them in U.S. foods despite growing evidence of concern. By removing these chemicals, the bill empowers consumers to access genuinely clean food and reduces their exposure to additives of questionable safety that have no place in a health-conscious food system. The two-year implementation window respects industry practicality while prioritizing public health, and the requirement for FDA reporting ensures transparency and accountability in the reformulation process. This represents a significant victory for food freedom and consumer choice by eliminating chemicals that have no legitimate place in a truly healthy food supply.