The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its Human Foods Program (HFP) 2026 Priority Deliverables on January 23, outlining a broad set of regulatory initiatives for the year ahead. FDA’s stated efforts focus on advancing food chemical safety, strengthening nutrition policy, and enhancing microbiological food safety. According to the Agency, the Program will play a central role in the Administration’s broader “Making America Healthy Again (MAHA)” agenda by continuing multi-year efforts to modernize food oversight and enhance consumer protection.
On the list of HFP’s key priority initiatives is the previously reported proposed regulation on ‘Generally Recognized as Safe’ (GRAS) substances. FDA indicates that once issued, the proposed rule would require companies to submit GRAS notices for all new substances claimed to be GRAS, a significant shift from the current voluntary notification framework.
Further, in 2026 the Agency plans to build out its review staff and leadership for HFP’s Office of Post Market Assessment to continue its Post-market Safety Review of food substances, starting with the chemicals that “are most concerning to consumers, e.g., phthalates, propylparaben, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), among others.” The Agency also plans to conduct additional research and information-gathering on microplastics and ultra-processed foods. FDA intends to evaluate the potential risks posed by microplastics when present in food and take regulatory action as warranted. In addition, the Agency plans to formally introduce a federal definition for ultra-processed foods.
Other HFP priority deliverables include enhanced oversight of infant formula, strengthened regulation of dietary supplements, and continued progress on labeling modernization and consumer information initiatives. FDA also plans to increase its oversight of food facilities and imported foods, including seafood, and to expand communication, training, and education for regulators and covered businesses on the food recall process and food traceability requirements.
Overall, the list serves as a general planning signal rather than a definitive roadmap and the scope, timing, and completion of individual deliverables may evolve based on resources, emerging public health needs, and other factors.