Leadership Driving Action
Under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, the FDA and USDA are ramping up efforts to tackle America’s diet‑related chronic disease epidemic linked to ultra‑processed foods.
Joint Request for Information
The agencies have issued a joint RFI to collect data and feedback needed to create a single, federally recognized definition of ultra‑processed foods—crucial for boosting transparency about what Americans consume.
Urgent Call to Define
“Ultra‑processed foods are driving our chronic disease epidemic,” asserts Secretary Kennedy. A clear, uniform standard will empower bold action to eliminate root causes of illness and “Make America Healthy Again.”
Gap in Current Standards
No authoritative U.S. definition for ultra‑processed foods exists today. Establishing one builds on the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, which identifies overconsumption of such foods as a key factor in childhood chronic diseases.
Agricultural Perspective
“Improved, more informed consumer choice requires a unified definition,” says Secretary Rollins. She pledges to involve all stakeholders, ensuring farmers and food producers have a seat at the table as the RFI process unfolds.
FDA’s Commitment
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary emphasizes the “clear and convincing” health threats posed by ultra‑processed foods and pledges to collaborate with federal partners on formalizing the definition for the first time.
Research and Policy Roadmap
With roughly 70% of packaged U.S. foods considered ultra‑processed—and children deriving over 60% of calories from them—the agencies will pair the new definition with expanded research via the Nutrition Regulatory Science Program and pursue additional policies to dramatically reduce chronic disease and secure a healthier future.
