Comments RE: Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee meeting on bulk drug substances nominated for inclusion on the Section 503A bulk drug substance list

"The Center for Science in the Public Interest, an advocacy group that accepts no funding from industry, opposes the proposed inclusion of the seven bulk peptide drug substances (BPC-157, KPV, TB-500, MOTs-C, emideltide, semax, and epitalon) in the 503A Bulks List, allowing them to be compounded, because this action is inconsistent with the FDA’s own standards for pharmacy compounding, poses dangers to consumers, and removes incentives for developing new pharmaceutical products through the standard drug approval process.   Agency scientists recently reviewed the available data for these seven bulk drug substances in detail and recommended that all seven “NOT be included in the 503A Bulks List” (emphasis in the original) because of the overall lack of data to characterize the substances’ historical use, physical and chemical properties, safety profile, and effectiveness. We support the career scientists’ determinations and urge the committee and subsequently the agency itself to follow the recommendations of the FDA’s own subject matter experts. " View the resource below to keep reading.

SNAP changes are reshaping America's food safety net, threatening food access for millions

One Year Later: How H.R. 1's SNAP Policy Changes Are Reverberating Across the Food System

In July 2025, the passage of H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” set in motion the most consequential changes to the federal food safety net since its inception. For the more than 37 million Americans who count on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to meet their basic food needs, the law’s implications are wide-ranging, from restrictions on eligibility to cuts to monthly benefits. H.R. 1 also carries downstream effects beyond SNAP. It has consequences for participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, federal school meals, Medicaid, and the emergency food system – and raises pointed questions about the administration’s parallel agendas to both reduce federal spending and improve Americans’ diets and health. This brief, produced by the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Global Food Institute at the George Washington University, brings together available information on H.R. 1’s scope, its ripple effects, and the communities most at risk of losing funding and food access as its provisions continue to unfold. View the resource below to keep reading.

Advocates urge united action to address rising food insecurity

Comment RE: Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher Pilot Program

Thank you for the opportunity to share our perspective on the Commissioner’s National Priority Review (CNPV) pilot program in written comments and at the public meeting. The undersigned individuals write to share our concerns and opposition to the Food and Drug Administration’s CNPV pilot, particularly relating to the politicization of voucher selection by the inclusion of national priorities falling outside of FDA’s remit, an expedited review timeline that poses dangers to consumers, and the lack of transparency in the implementation of the pilot. The Center for Science in the Public Interest is a non-profit consumer education and advocacy organization. Since 1971, CSPI has advocated for evidence-based policies to improve health, nutrition, and food safety. CSPI is an independent organization that does not accept any corporate funding. In this comment, we provide feedback on the CNPV pilot program’s scope, voucher selection process, the review council’s role, expedited timelines, and future programmatic directions. View the resource below to keep reading.

Letter of support for SB 1033: Protein products

"Dear Chair Weber Pierson and Members of the Senate Health Committee, The Center for Science in the Public Interest and Harvard Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders are pleased to support SB 1033, which requires manufacturers of certain protein products to test for heavy metals and publicly disclose test results. Protein products, including powders and beverages, are often consumed by adults, adolescents, athletes, and families. However, a Consumer Reports investigation recently found that multiple protein powders and beverages contained detectable levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead, some with concerningly high levels." View the resource below to keep reading.

Letter of support for AB 2030: Dietary supplements for weight loss and over-the-counter diet pills

"Dear Chair Bonta and Honorable Members of the Assembly Health Committee: The Center for Science in the Public Interest strongly supports AB 2030, which would prohibit the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and weight-loss or muscle-building dietary supplements (WL/MB supplements) to minors. These products are widely available and heavily marketed to youth, often with deceptive claims, despite limited evidence of effectiveness. They are also poorly regulated and frequently contaminated with dangerous, undisclosed ingredients. National pediatric experts warn against their use, citing serious health risks including liver damage, hospitalization, and even death. This bill represents a common-sense, urgently needed step to protect young people in California." View the resource below to keep reading.

CSPI letter of support: CDPH Budget Change Proposal (4265-140-BCP-2026-GB)

"Dear Chairs Gabriel, Addis, Laird, and Menjivar, The Center for Science in the Public Interest is writing to express our strong support for the California Department of Public Health’s Budget Change Proposal (4265-140-BCP-2026-GB), which requests funding to implement Assembly Bill 1264 (Gabriel - 2025). AB 1264 is a first-of-its-kind law that enshrines a definition of ultra-processed food, or UPF, that integrates nutritional concerns and comprehensively captures chemical safety concerns. It then directs the California Department of Public Health to use that definition to further define “UPF of concern,” which will be phased out of schools. The department’s regulations identifying UPFs of concern will be guided by a rigorous examination of reputable, peer-reviewed scientific evidence." View the resource below to keep reading.

Letter of support for Food safety: unsafe additives and ingredient disclosures bill (Assemblymember Addis)

The undersigned organizations and individuals support AB 2034, a bill that will promote transparency and safety in the food system. This is essential given the longstanding failure by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to effectively fulfill its mandate to protect consumers from unsafe and poorly tested food chemicals. AB 2034 specifically addresses two related problems caused by inadequate federal oversight of food chemicals. View the resource below to keep reading.

Coalition letter for Food safety: unsafe additives and ingredient disclosures bill (Assemblymember Addis)

The undersigned organizations and individuals support AB 2034, a bill that will promote transparency and safety in the food system. This is essential given the longstanding failure by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to effectively fulfill its mandate to protect consumers from unsafe and poorly tested food chemicals. AB 2034 specifically addresses two related problems caused by inadequate federal oversight of food chemicals. View the resource below to keep reading.