FDA Updates Its Chemical-Risk Playbook for the People Who Make Food
Published Date: 10/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FDA just released a new draft chapter to help food makers keep chemicals out of our food. This update affects anyone involved in making or handling human food and explains how to spot and control chemical risks. You’ve got until January 21, 2027, to share your thoughts before the final rules drop—so get ready to protect food safety without breaking the bank!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New Draft Chapter on Chemical Hazards
The FDA released a draft chapter titled "Chapter 12: Control of Chemical Hazards" as part of its Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls guidance. It explains FDA's current thinking on controlling known or reasonably foreseeable chemical hazards in human food, including radiological hazards, pesticide and drug residues, natural toxins, decomposition, unapproved food or color additives, environmental contaminants (for example lead, cadmium, arsenic), dioxin, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and process-related contaminants.
Public Comment Deadline Set
Stakeholders may submit electronic or written comments on the draft chapter; comments must be submitted by January 21, 2027 for the Agency to consider them before it begins work on the final guidance. Comments are submitted via https://www.regulations.gov (docket FDA-2016-D-2343) or by mail to the Dockets Management Staff with instructions for confidential submissions.
Guidance Does Not Add New Paperwork
The draft guidance contains no new collection of information, but it refers to previously approved FDA collections related to part 117 that are approved under OMB control number 0910-0751. Existing approved information collections remain subject to review under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Guidance Is Non-Binding and Flexible
FDA states the draft guidance reflects its current thinking but is not final or in effect and does not establish rights; firms may use alternate approaches if those approaches satisfy applicable statutes and regulations. The draft chapter will be considered alongside comments before finalization.
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