The process—called Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)—has been criticized for years as allowing companies to self-certify food ingredients as safe without government regulators evaluating potential risks. “For far too long, ingredient manufacturers and sponsors have exploited a loophole that has allowed new ingredients and chemicals, often with unknown safety data, to be introduced into the U.S. food supply without notification to the FDA or the public,” Secretary Kennedy said in a press release.

While President Trump has put a pause on all new regulations across the federal government, the HHS announcement falls short of committing to a rule change by only directing FDA to “take steps to explore” the option. It also says the agency is “committed to working with Congress to explore ways legislation can completely close the GRAS loophole.”