Today, the Academy submitted comments in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) efforts to develop a uniform definition for ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
The Academy underscored the importance of the definition to be grounded in sound science and reflect practical realities of the U.S. food supply. To effectively classify foods as UPFs, an operational definition is imperative and should be applied consistently and objectively to all foods while also allowing refinement as scientific understanding evolves.
Key takeaways from the Academy's comments include:
- Ongoing research is needed to identify which characteristics of UPFs most strongly predict adverse health outcomes; this may include re-evaluating the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status of certain additives.
- A phased policy approach is likely most effective, beginning with foods high in saturated fat, added sugars and sodium before expanding to broader UPF criteria. Simultaneously, resources need to be allocated to increase accessibility to nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins.
- Policy implementation must strike a balance between public health goals and equity considerations, ensuring that strategies do not disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.
UPFs are a frequent focus in today's nutrition conversations and are featured in the Academy's Nutrition Fact Check series. Nutrition Fact Check summarizes the best available science and evidence on timely food and nutrition topics, offering practitioners a scientific review paper with sources for further reference, and resources to share with patients and clients.
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