- The FDA, USDA and HHS are jointly developing the first federal definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), linked to obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
- FDA acting deputy commissioner Donald Prater acknowledged the task is "quite challenging" due to conflicting scientific definitions and evolving research.
- UPFs account for roughly 70% of U.S. packaged foods and over 60% of children's daily caloric intake.
- Proposed regulations include front-of-pack warning labels, school meal bans and potential taxes, though the FDA says it will not ban UPFs outright.
- California became the first state to define UPFs in October 2025, banning them in school meals, while other states pursue similar legislation.
Three federal agencies announced a joint initiative this week to establish the first standardized U.S. definition of ultra-processed foods, a category linked to rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
Led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the effort aims to curb deceptive industry practices in a sector responsible for approximately 70% of packaged foods and more than 60% of children's daily calories. Studies tie these foods to a 50% higher risk of cardiovascular death and 32 adverse health outcomes including mental disorders.
The Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agriculture and HHS are collaborating on the definition, which could shape future regulations including warning labels, school lunch policies and federal nutrition guidelines. However, FDA officials acknowledged the task has proven "quite challenging" due to conflicting scientific frameworks.
The challenge of defining "ultra-processed"
The concept of ultra-processed foods originated from the Nova classification system, developed by scientists at the University of São Paulo in 2009. That system defines ultra-processed products as industrial formulations made through techniques like extrusion or pre-frying, containing cosmetic additives such as high-fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils — essentially, foods that cannot be easily made at home.
But FDA acting deputy commissioner for food Donald Prater told attendees at the IFT First conference in Chicago that the agency faces significant hurdles. "There are a variety of definitions that are being used out there," Prater said, adding that the science on ultra-processed foods is still evolving. The FDA is evaluating different proposals to "try to find something that makes sense."
The challenge stems partly from the category's breadth. Under many definitions, whole-grain bread, yogurt and tofu would be classified as ultra-processed alongside chips, sodas and packaged cookies. This has led experts to warn against conflating processing with nutrition, noting that most health risks are associated with foods poor in nutritional quality rather than simply those that are heavily processed.
Children's health in sharp focus
A recent government report from the Make America Healthy Again initiative blames "decades of policies that have undermined the food system and perpetuated the delivery of unhealthy food to our children."
California became the first state to act, passing legislation in October 2025 banning ultra-processed foods in school meals. Arizona and Utah have also enacted legislation defining ultra-processed foods.
Proposed regulations and industry response
The definition could inform multiple regulatory actions. The FDA is simultaneously developing a front-of-pack nutrition labeling rule to make calorie and added sugar information more prominent. Health officials have discussed potential warning labels, restrictions on marketing to children and taxes on ultra-processed foods — though Prater emphasized that the agency's role "is not to ban ultraprocessed food."
Some food companies have already begun reformulating products. Bimbo Bakeries USA, owner of Sara Lee, announced it would remove artificial preservatives and emulsifiers from five top brands.
Political and scientific debates remain
The definition process has been delayed beyond initial expectations. Kennedy had originally said the agency would release a proposed definition by April, but the target has slipped as officials grapple with competing scientific frameworks.
Public opinion surveys show approximately two-thirds of Americans believe the federal government has a responsibility to regulate ultra-processed foods, while the same proportion supports warning labels on packaging.
The FDA plans to open any drafted definition to public comment before finalizing it in the months ahead.
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