WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under the direction of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has introduced the Chemical Contaminants Transparency (CCT) Tool, an online database designed to provide consumers and industry professionals with a consolidated list of contaminant levels in food.
The CCT Tool compiles data on tolerances, action levels, and guidance levels used to assess potential health risks posed by chemical contaminants in human foods. These substances, which can be introduced during the growing, storage, or processing stages, have the potential to impact public health.
“HHS is committed to radical transparency to give Americans authentic, informed consent about what they are eating,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “This new Chemical Contaminants Transparency Tool is a critical step for industry to Make America Healthy Again.”
While the FDA aims to minimize or prevent chemical hazards in food, officials acknowledge that some contaminants may still be present. Acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner, M.D., M.P.H., emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced diet.
“Ideally, there would be no contaminants in our food supply, but chemical contaminants may occur in food when they are present in the growing, storage, or processing environments,” Brenner said. “Because many of the most nutritious foods can also contain contaminants, consumers should eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods across and within the main food groups to help protect from possible exposure effects.”
The CCT Tool allows users to search for specific contaminants and filter results by contaminant type, commodity, or regulatory reference. It is part of the FDA’s broader initiative to modernize food chemical safety and enhance public access to information.
The FDA will continue monitoring the food supply through various testing programs and remains committed to providing transparency about food safety.
For more information, visit the FDA’s Chemical Contaminants Transparency Tool online.
