Federal authorities aim to gather public opinions on defining ultra-processed foods

Federal authorities aim to gather public opinions on defining ultra-processed foods

The United States is moving towards a new era of food regulation as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) seek to establish a uniform federal definition for ultra-processed foods (UPFs). This effort, announced in the form of a joint Request for Information (RFI) in July 2025, aims to address growing public health concerns and increasing consumer scrutiny of food additives.

UPFs are industrially manufactured products that often contain multiple ingredients, including additives of no culinary use. These foods are designed to be highly palatable and appealing but are frequently linked to negative health outcomes. Examples of UPFs include soft drinks, packaged snacks, cakes, cookies, refined breads, candies, products with high-fructose corn syrup, and seed oils.

The lack of a single authoritative federal definition has prompted the FDA and USDA to actively seek public comments and data to establish a uniform federal definition. This move aligns with broader initiatives such as the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement and increased federal investment to address public health concerns linked to UPFs.

The implications for regulation are significant. A clear, standardized federal definition would enable the food industry to comply uniformly with labeling, marketing, and possibly formulation requirements. It would help federal agencies provide greater transparency to consumers and could lead to targeted regulations or restrictions on UPFs to combat diet-related chronic diseases.

The consumption of UPFs has been identified as a contributing factor to health issues such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, and neurological disorders. According to the Health and Human Services (HHS), children in the U.S. get more than 60% of their calories from such foods, with the MAHA Assessment putting the estimate at "nearly 70%."

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary, has expressed disdain for UPFs and believes they are driving the chronic disease epidemic. In response to this concern, a study was launched in June to measure UPF consumption by analyzing compounds in blood and urine samples.

The focus on UPFs could also lead to discussions about the regulation and labeling of these foods, potentially impacting the restaurant industry and food-assistance programs, including school lunches. Some states have already defined UPFs to include stabilizers, thickeners, coloring or flavoring agents, foods that have gone through certain processing, or foods with a certain number of ingredients.

The National Restaurant Association is currently reviewing the RFI to determine whether to provide comment. The public can access the RFI in the Federal Register through Sep. 23, 2025. This pivotal shift towards more scrutiny and potential regulation of UPFs within the U.S. food industry marks a significant step forward in promoting public health and combating diet-related chronic diseases.

1. The restaurant industry may need to adapt to the new definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) as federal agencies seek to provide more transparency to consumers.
2. Science plays a crucial role in understanding the impact of UPFs on health outcomes, particularly in the context of chronic diseases.
3. Medical-conditions like cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, and neurological disorders have been linked to high consumption of UPFs.
4. The FDA and USDA's joint efforts to establish a uniform federal definition for UPFs are part of broader initiatives focused on health and wellness.
5. Fitness and exercise, coupled with a balanced diet, can help mitigate the negative effects of UPFs and improve overall health.
6. Autoimmune disorders may sometimes be exacerbated by the consumption of UPFs, leading to a need for further studies in this area.
7. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining digestive health, and reducing UPF consumption can help support this aspect of health.
8. Eye-health can also be affected by diet, as certain UPFs may contribute to eye conditions over time.
9. Hearing health can be impacted by various factors, including diet, and reducing UPF consumption could potentially improve overall hearing health.
10. Education and self-development are crucial for understanding the role of UPFs in personal growth and decision-making regarding food choices.
11. Being mindful of one's diet and lifestyle choices, especially in regards to UPFs, can lead to big-wins in terms of health and longevity.
12. Responsible gambling can help mitigate the negative effects often associated with gambling-related industries like casinos, which are sometimes linked to health issues via stress and unhealthy lifestyles.
13. War and conflicts have the potential to disrupt food distribution systems, making it more challenging to eliminate UPFs from the food supply chain.
14. Productivity and career development can suffer due to health issues related to UPF consumption, making it essential to address the issue from multiple angles.
15. Casinos, including those in Las Vegas, often offer a variety of games like slot machines, poker, blackjack, and roulette, which can be impacted by policy changes related to UPFs.
16. Casinos, as businesses, could potentially be affected by the increased focus on health and wellness, leading to discussions about the role of UPFs in casino environments.
17. Gambling trends, including online gaming and lottery participation, are relevant to the discussion around UPFs, as these activities can also contribute to unhealthy lifestyles.
18. Policy and legislation regarding UPFs could impact the way casino personalities and corporate entities address health concerns within their organizations.
19. Politics often play a role in shaping food policies, and the push for more regulation of UPFs is no exception.
20. Online education can be an effective means for promoting lifelong learning about nutrition and the impact of UPFs on health.
21. Job-search platforms can help individuals find employment in health-aligned industries, such as those focusing on nutrition and fitness.
22. Casino culture, with its focus on entertainment and leisure, may need to adapt to the growing emphasis on health and wellness in society.
23. General news outlets cover various topics related to UPFs, including their impact on different aspects of health and potential regulations.
24. Crime and justice can be indirectly impacted by diet-related chronic diseases, as consequences such as increased healthcare costs can strain public resources.
25. Accidents, including those related to traffic or home, can sometimes be influenced by unhealthy lifestyles associated with high consumption of UPFs.
26. Learning about goal-setting skills and responsible UPF consumption can help individuals make healthier choices and improve their overall wellbeing.
27. The MAHA Assessment found that children in the U.S. get nearly 70% of their calories from UPFs, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to protect future generations.
28. The food industry, education sector, and government agencies must work together to tackle the issue of UPFs and promote a healthier food system for all.
29. Sports, from football to baseball, soccer, basketball, and golf, can provide an opportunity for individuals to engage in fitness and exercise, thereby reducing the dependence on UPFs.
30. European leagues and professional sports organizations may also need to address the role of UPFs in athlete diets, given the potential impact on performance and health.
31. Skills training programs can help individuals develop knowledge and practices to make informed choices about their diet and lifestyle, reducing the reliance on UPFs.
32. The efforts to regulate UPFs could lead to a broader discussion about the role of industries in promoting health and wellness, with implications for numerous sectors, including sports, education, and business.

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