Key Takeaways
- The USDA and federal health agencies are seeking input to define ultraprocessed foods (UPFs).
- This initiative aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s agenda to combat chronic illnesses linked to UPFs.
- The formal definition aims to support research and policy recommendations regarding the health impacts of UPFs.
Defining Ultraprocessed Foods for Better Health
The USDA, in collaboration with federal health agencies, has announced a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at establishing a federal definition for ultraprocessed foods (UPFs). This step is part of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s broader initiative, dubbed the Make America Healthy Again agenda. Kennedy and advocates of this movement have expressed concerns about the pervasive consumption of UPFs, particularly among children, citing them as a significant contributor to adverse health outcomes.
Historically, researchers have struggled with the ambiguity surrounding what qualifies as ultraprocessed food. During efforts to develop revised dietary guidelines, an expert advisory panel was unable to provide comprehensive guidance on UPFs due to the absence of a formal definition and insufficient research on their impact. Kennedy underscored the urgency of establishing a clear standard, stating, “Ultraprocessed foods are driving our chronic disease epidemic. We must act boldly to eliminate the root causes of chronic illness and improve the health of our food supply.”
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the significance of the RFI in fostering informed consumer choices. She assured that stakeholders within the agriculture value chain would be engaged in defining categories for UPFs. The RFI is set to be published in the Federal Register on July 24, encouraging public input on what specific criteria should be included in this definition.
The initiative aims to create a standardized definition that will not only enhance research efforts but also support policy recommendations addressing the link between UPFs and public health. Establishing such a framework is seen as a crucial step towards improving nutritional quality and addressing the growing health challenges posed by diet-related diseases in the United States.
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