California Fisheries and Seafood Institute Industry News & Regulatory Brief
Federal Update: HHS and USDA Move to Define “Ultra-Processed Foods” and Overhaul GRAS Ingredient Rules
On August 10, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced two major regulatory initiatives aimed at food safety, ingredient transparency, and nutrition policy:
- First Federal Definition of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs): HHS and USDA submitted a proposed official federal definition of UPFs for final review. Designed to establish a standardized baseline across government agencies and academic research, the framework aims to address chronic health conditions by encouraging consumers to shift toward whole, nutrient-dense foods.
- Mandatory GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) Notifications: The FDA issued a proposed rule that would eliminate industry self-determination without notification. Under the proposed rule, food manufacturers would be required to notify the FDA whenever concluding an ingredient is GRAS before adding it to human or animal food. A streamlined submission pathway will also be provided for ingredients currently on the market based on prior self-GRAS determinations.
Why This Matters for California Seafood
As federal policy increasingly shifts toward promoting “real food” and scrutinizing heavy processing and synthetic additives, California’s wild-caught and aquaculture seafood products are positioned at the forefront of healthy dining choices.
- Seafood as the Ultimate “Real Food”: Wild-caught and farm-raised seafood are minimally processed, high-quality sources of lean protein, healthy fats (Omega-3s), and essential micronutrients. As federal messaging urges consumers away from ultra-processed choices, wild and sustainably farmed seafood stands out as an ideal solution.
- Ingredient Transparency in Value-Added Products: For members producing processed, breaded, smoked, or value-added seafood items (such as marinades, canned goods, or ready-to-eat products), mandatory GRAS notifications mean greater scrutiny on additives, flavorings, and preservatives.
- Supply Chain Alignment: Suppliers and processors should begin reviewing ingredient inventories and supply chains to ensure all additives and processing aids have appropriate FDA-notified GRAS status or approved food additive petitions ahead of upcoming rulemaking phases.
What’s Next & Action Items for Members
- Review Ingredient Sourcing: If your business manufactures or distributes value-added seafood products, check with your ingredient suppliers regarding the GRAS status and documentation of any additives used in your processing lines.
- Public Comment Opportunities: Once the proposed GRAS rule and UPF definitions are officially published in the Federal Register, CFSI will review the details and monitor opportunities for industry feedback.
CFSI remains dedicated to advocating for California’s fisheries, processors, distributors, and working waterfronts. We will keep you updated as these proposals advance through the federal rulemaking process.
Questions or Comments?: Contact the CFSI office at info@calseafood.net or visit calseafood.net for further resources and legislative updates.