Regulation of Cancer-Causing Food Additives--Time for a Change

The Delaney Clause, incorporated into the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act by the Food Additives Amendment of 1958, requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban food additives which are found to cause or induce cancer in humans or animals as indicated by testing. GAO made a review to: (1) determine if modifications were needed to the Delaney Clause, and (2) present an overview of the social, scientific, and regulatory issues involving food additives that might cause cancer.