By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Health and Human Services (HHS) are working together to address the dangers of ultra-processed foods.
Led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, the agencies are issuing a joint Request for Information (RFI) to help define ultra-processed foods. A clear and federal definition will support healthier diets and consistent food labeling.
There is no official U.S. definition for ultra-processed foods, even though they make up 70% of packaged items in stores. Reports show that children get over 60% of their calories from these foods.
Ultra-processed foods have been linked to serious health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer. The new effort builds on the recent Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, which identifies these foods as a key reason behind childhood chronic diseases.
Through the Nutrition Regulatory Science Program, the FDA and National Institutes of Health are investing in research to understand the full health effects of ultra-processed foods.
The agencies plan to use the definition to guide future policies and improve nutrition programs, especially those that serve schools and community food systems.
By working together, these agencies hope to reduce chronic disease and improve the health of Americans through smarter food policies and clearer consumer information.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National