The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), USDA, and FDA have announced a joint effort to establish a federally recognized definition of ultra-processed foods. This unprecedented move occurs amid growing alarm over the modern American diet, aiming to provide consumers with increased transparency and standardize research on diet-related diseases.
To gather the necessary data, the agencies are issuing a joint Request for Information (RFI) in the Federal Register. This RFI seeks input on the specific factors and criteria that should dictate an “ultra-processed” classification.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary emphasized the urgency of this collaboration, stating that the health threats posed by these foods are “clear and convincing,” making a uniform definition imperative for federal health policy.
The push for clarity is driven by startling statistics regarding current consumption habits:
- Around 70% of packaged food products in the US are currently considered ultra-processed.
- These foods account for a staggering 60% of the calories consumed by children.
According to the FDA, dozens of studies have already linked these highly processed diets to severe adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer, and neurological disorders.
This definitional effort aligns with broader federal health initiatives. Earlier in May, the FDA and the National Institutes of Health launched the Nutrition Regulatory Science Program, a joint research initiative designed to answer lingering questions about the long-term health impacts of ultra-processed foods.