Federal Agencies Working to Create Uniform Definition of Ultra-Processed Foods

Follow Drugslib on

By Tina Brown HealthDay Reporter

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com

via HealthDay

THURSDAY, July 24, 2025 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration are gathering data to create a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods.

The agencies announced a joint Request for Information (RFI), to be published in the Federal Register tomorrow, to help establish a federally recognized definition of ultra-processed foods. The RFI is seeking information on which factors and criteria should be included in the definition.

The goal of the uniform definition is to provide "increased transparency to consumers about the foods they eat" and to provide consistency in research and policy to address health concerns associated with these foods.

"The threats posed to our health by foods often considered ultra-processed are clear and convincing, making it imperative that we work in lockstep with our federal partners to advance, for the first time ever, a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods," FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., said in a statement.

According to the FDA, around 70 percent of packaged food products in the United States are considered ultra-processed, and 60 percent of calories consumed by children are from these foods. The FDA also mentions that "dozens" of studies have shown links between foods considered ultra-processed and adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, and neurological disorders.

In May, the FDA and National Institutes of Health announced the establishment of the Nutrition Regulatory Science Program, a joint research initiative. Through this program, researchers aim to answer remaining questions about the health impacts of ultra-processed foods.

More Information

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

Source: HealthDay

Posted : 2025-07-25 12:00

Read more

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords