FDA Releases Human Foods Program 2026 Priority Deliverables

Posted on January 26, 2026

• FDA has released its Human Foods Program 2026 Priority Deliverables, outlining a broad set of planned regulatory, policy, and scientific initiatives the agency intends to focus on over the coming year.
• Key areas identified in the 2026 agenda include:
  • Post-Market Review of Chemicals: FDA indicates that it intends to expand and formalize post‑market safety reviews of chemicals already used in food and food contact applications. Planned activities include continued reassessments of substances of consumer concern and further development of FDA’s systematic post‑market assessment framework and internal review capacity.
  • Food additive and GRAS: FDA signals a significant focus on reforming how substances that are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) are handled. Planned deliverables include proposed regulatory changes, guidance, or procedural updates intended to strengthen FDA’s oversight of food additives, clarify data expectations, and increase transparency within the GRAS notification process.
  •  Nutrition-related initiatives: References planned work to advance nutrition science and public health research, including efforts related to ultra‑processed foods (UPFs).
  • Food labeling and standards: Planned deliverables include continued work on labeling modernization and consumer information initiatives. FDA highlights potential actions related to front‑of‑package nutrition labeling, implementation and evaluation of the “healthy” claim, and policies addressing nutrients of public health concern such as sodium, added sugars, and caffeine, as well as updates to food standards of identity.
• Additional program areas identified in the 2026 priorities include infant formula oversight, dietary supplement regulation, chemical and environmental contaminants in food (such as microplastics), and other scientific and operational initiatives within the Human Foods Program.
• Overall, the 2026 Priority Deliverables provide insight into the areas FDA expects to prioritize within the Human Foods Program. 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. Keller and Heckman will continue to monitor developments related to FDA’s Human Foods Program priorities and implementation.