HHS and FDA Launch Chemical Contaminants Transparency Tool for Foods

On March 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced the Chemical Contaminants Transparency Tool (CCT Tool). This online, searchable database consolidates information on contaminant levels—such as tolerances, action levels, and guidance levels—used to assess potential health risks in human foods. The CCT Tool aims to enhance public awareness and assist the food industry in ensuring product safety. Acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner emphasized that while the goal is to eliminate contaminants from the food supply, their presence can result from various environmental factors. The FDA continues to monitor the food supply through multiple testing programs.