The U.S. Food and Drug Administration just revoked 52 long-standing definitions of everyday foods—like jams, breads, and cheeses—some of which date back nearly a century. The move is part of an effort to “modernize” food regulation and encourage innovation. But without strong protections in place, this change could seriously compromise food safety and allergen transparency.

Many of the now-revoked Standards of Identity helped ensure that when you bought something labeled “milk” or “peanut butter,” you knew exactly what was inside—and what wasn’t. These standards often required minimum levels of real ingredients or restricted the use of additives. While some rules may have been outdated, removing them without updated safeguards creates uncertainty for millions of Americans, especially those with food allergies or specific dietary needs.

People with life-threatening allergies depend on clear, consistent labeling to avoid hospital visits—or worse. Families trying to make healthier choices rely on definitions like “whole grain” or “fruit juice” to guide them. We can support innovation in food products without sacrificing basic transparency.

We’re calling on the FDA to do more than just repeal outdated rules. We demand that they: 

• Guarantee strong allergen labeling requirements stay in place and are strictly enforced
• Ensure that any new or reformulated products using more flexible standards are subject to transparent ingredient disclosures
• Involve public health experts, dietitians, and consumers in creating any replacement standards

The FDA has a responsibility to protect public health—not just streamline bureaucracy. Changes to food rules shouldn’t come at the expense of consumer safety.

Let’s make sure that modernizing food doesn’t mean making it more dangerous or more confusing. Sign this petition to tell the FDA: Food innovation must never come at the cost of food safety.