Federal Agencies Collaborate to Establish a Standard Definition for Ultra-Processed Foods
U.S. federal agencies are working together to create a unified definition for ultra-processed foods, aiming to improve transparency and curb health risks associated with these products. This initiative involves public input and aims to standardize research and policies.
In a significant move to improve consumer awareness and public health policies, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Food and Drug Administration are working together to develop a unified definition for ultra-processed foods. These agencies have announced a collaborative effort, starting with a joint Request for Information (RFI) published in the Federal Register, seeking public and expert input on key criteria and factors that should be included in this definition.
The primary objective of establishing a clear and consistent definition is to enhance transparency for consumers regarding the foods they consume. It aims to standardize research parameters and inform policy actions targeting health risks associated with ultra-processed foods. According to the FDA, approximately 70% of packaged foods in the U.S. are classified as ultra-processed, and such foods account for about 60% of calorie intake among children. Multiple studies have linked the consumption of ultra-processed foods to various adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, and neurological disorders.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary emphasizes that recognizing the health threats posed by ultra-processed foods underscores the importance of a coordinated federal approach. This initiative is part of a broader effort, including the recent establishment of the Nutrition Regulatory Science Program in partnership with the National Institutes of Health, which aims to address remaining questions about the health impacts of these foods through innovative research.
By creating a standardized definition, federal agencies hope to facilitate better consumer education, support public health interventions, and advance scientific understanding of how ultra-processed foods influence health outcomes.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-federal-agencies-uniform-definition-ultra.html
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