Breaking Headlines:
U.S. Government Takes Steps Towards Defining Ultra-Processed Foods
In a bid to address the growing health concerns associated with ultra-processed foods (UPFs), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have issued a Request for Information (RFI) on July 23, 2025. The RFI aims to establish a uniform federal definition of UPFs for products in the U.S. food supply.
Currently, the Nova system developed by Brazilian researchers in 2009 remains the principal scientific classification for UPFs. However, it has limitations, particularly in distinguishing between harmful UPFs and certain beneficial ones that are also classified as ultra-processed (e.g., yogurt). The term "ultra-processed" focuses on both processing methods and food composition, often without fully accounting for food groups or nutritional quality.
The FDA's FY 2026 budget request includes significant funding of $49 million dedicated specifically to addressing risks related to UPFs. The RFI reflects the growing concern about UPFs contributing to the chronic disease epidemic and is positioned as foundational for future regulations or guidance.
Andrea Deierlein, a nutrition expert at New York University, suggests that people are trying to decrease their intakes of UPFs. Research published in the journal Nature found that participants lost twice as much weight when they ate minimally processed foods compared to UPFs. Deierlein advises reading food packages and nutrition information and trying to reduce UPFs in daily diets, such as using plain oats sweetened with honey or maple syrup instead of instant oatmeal containing added sugar, sodium, artificial colors, and preservatives.
The top sources of UPFs include burgers and sandwiches, sweet baked goods, savory snacks, pizza, and sweetened drinks. A small but influential study found that people consumed more calories and gained more weight when they ate UPFs than when they ate minimally processed foods. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a new report stating that most Americans get more than half their calories from UPFs. For adults, UPFs accounted for about 53% of total calories consumed, but for kids through age 18, it was nearly 62%.
The new CDC report did not provide new information on the percentage of calories consumed from UPFs for different age groups or income levels. However, it stated that UPFs tend to be "hyperpalatable, energy-dense, low in dietary fiber and contain little or no whole foods, while having high amounts of salt, sweeteners, and unhealthy fats." Young children consumed fewer calories from UPFs than older kids, and adults 60 and older consumed fewer calories from UPFs than younger adults.
Anne Williams, a CDC nutrition expert, was a co-author of the report. The report is based on dietary data collected from August 2021 to August 2023. The new CDC report follows concerns from health officials that the current definitions of UPFs "accurately capture" the range of foods that may affect health.
The RFI is open for comments until September 23, 2025. This is the first significant federal step towards a formal, consistent definition to tackle public health issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders tied to UPFs. The initiative is part of the current administration's broader strategy against chronic diseases influenced by diet.
[1] FDA and USDA issue RFI on ultra-processed foods, aiming to standardize research and policy approaches. [2] U.S. government takes steps towards defining ultra-processed foods. [3] Nova system: The principal scientific classification for ultra-processed foods. [4] FDA budget request includes funding to address risks related to ultra-processed foods. [5] RFI reflects growing concern about ultra-processed foods contributing to chronic disease epidemic.
[6] Andrea Deierlein advises reducing intake of UPFs for healthier lifestyle choices, suggesting swaps like plain oats over instant oatmeal. [7] Top sources of UPFs in American diets include burgers, sweet baked goods, savory snacks, pizza, and sweetened drinks. [8] A new CDC report finds that most Americans, particularly kids and young adults, get more than half their calories from UPFs, contributing to health issues like obesity and diabetes.
