Defining Ultra-Processed: FDA & USDA Seek Clarity on UPFs
Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) Definition
In a joint effort to clarify what qualifies as ultra-processed food, the FDA and USDA have issued a Request for Information (RFI), seeking input from industry experts, researchers, and the public. The goal is to establish a consistent, nationwide definition that could shape future food labeling, regulation, and consumer awareness.
Request for Information (RFI)
An RFI invites input from a broad spectrum of stakeholders—including health and nutrition professionals, food manufacturers, trade organizations, and the public—to assist federal agencies in developing a comprehensive definition. This initiative will evaluate various approaches, including alignment with existing classification systems such as Brazil’s NOVA framework, ingredient-based criteria (e.g., extrusion or hydrogenation), and nutritional benchmarks (e.g., elevated sodium or added sugars). The current RFI is open through October 23, 2025.
Significance
Currently, the United States lacks an official definition for ultra-processed foods, despite mounting evidence linking their overconsumption to the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses in children. Research indicates that ultra-processed foods constitute approximately 70% of packaged food items in the U.S. and contribute over 60% of caloric intake among children. Moreover, consumption of these products has been associated with serious health conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Neurological disorders
Potential Impact
Establishing a formal definition would serve as a critical foundation for future research into the health implications of UPFs. It could also inform new regulatory measures, such as mandatory labeling standards or front-of-package warning labels. Additionally, such a definition may influence federal nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. For food manufacturers, this could necessitate product reformulations and revised marketing strategies, potentially catalyzing broader policy reforms aimed at enhancing public health.
How Eurofins Food Chemistry Can Support
As the food industry braces for a new regulatory era, analytical data to support product claims is more critical than ever. Eurofins Food Chemistry’s' expertise in everything from ingredient analysis and nutritional profiling to sophisticated contaminant screening empowers you to adapt your products and maintain consumer confidence.
Reach out today to partner with Eurofins to proactively manage your product portfolio, support reformulations, and uphold consumer trust in a market increasingly focused on food processing and its health impacts.
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Meet the Author – Senior Analytical Services Manager, Mollie Van Alst
Mollie Van Alst is a member of our Eurofins Nutrition Analysis Center laboratory in Des Moines, IA, which specializes in nutrition analysis of several food & beverage matrices. She serves as the Senior Analytical Services Manager and has been with Eurofins for eight years. Mollie's subject matter expertise lies in FDA nutrition labeling, specifically the Nutrition Facts Panel portion but also other components (such as labeling claims). Her day-to-day involves troubleshooting lab results as they pertain to nutrition labeling, such as mass balance discrepancies or fitness for regulatory compliance. Mollie actively tracks regulatory changes and shares her expertise through client-focused educational sessions and resources.
Additional Resources
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