News Summary
Federal health officials are ramping up efforts to tackle chronic diseases linked to ultra-processed foods. A joint Request for Information (RFI) by the FDA and USDA seeks to establish a clear definition of these foods, improving consumer transparency. With ultra-processed foods accounting for 70% of the U.S. packaged food supply, the initiative aims to address health concerns, particularly among children, and promote healthier eating habits.
Washington, D.C. – In a significant step toward combating rising rates of chronic diseases, federal health officials are intensifying their efforts to address the issues posed by ultra-processed foods in the United States. Under the guidance of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have announced a joint Request for Information (RFI) aimed at defining ultra-processed foods.
Currently, there is no single authoritative definition of ultra-processed foods for the U.S. food supply, which has hindered efforts to address the health impacts associated with these products. The newly announced RFI seeks to gather data that will contribute to establishing a federally recognized definition, which is expected to enhance consumer transparency regarding the types of foods they are consuming. This initiative aims to address the growing concern over the role these foods play in the deteriorating health of Americans, particularly among children.
Ultra-processed foods constitute a staggering 70% of packaged products within the U.S. food supply. Alarmingly, more than 60% of calories consumed by children come from these types of foods. Numerous scientific studies have established a link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and various health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, and neurological disorders.
The urgency of defining ultra-processed foods is underscored by the need for consistent research and policies that address the array of health issues associated with them. By creating a standard definition, authorities can enforce policies that aim at reducing the consumption of these harmful products, thereby contributing to improved health outcomes across the population.
The RFI is expected to be publicly accessible in the federal register starting July 24. As part of this initiative, the FDA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are investing in high-quality research through the Nutrition Regulatory Science Program, which will investigate the health impacts stemming from ultra-processed food consumption.
In addition to defining ultra-processed foods, federal agencies are urging food manufacturers to eliminate a variety of artificial dyes in their products. The overconsumption of these foods has been identified as a significant contributor to the childhood chronic disease crisis in the U.S., which has nearly double the obesity and diabetes rates compared to some European nations.
Data indicates that American diets are significantly higher in sugar, ultra-processed foods, and trans and saturated fats when compared to other wealthy countries. A growing number of American adults have also expressed concerns regarding food additives and chemicals, with many believing that such components pose health risks. Despite an increase in public interest regarding food labels, surveys reveal that only a small fraction of people deem these labels trustworthy.
As the government prioritizes improvements in health outcomes related to food choices, multi-faceted policies are being discussed to tackle chronic disease and promote healthier eating habits. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to enhancing the nation’s food supply and addressing the health impacts of dietary choices on both children and adults.
In conclusion, the federal government’s collaboration to establish a clear definition of ultra-processed foods signifies a crucial advancement in public health policy aimed at curbing the chronic disease epidemic in America. By fostering greater transparency and accountability within the food industry, federal agencies hope to make substantive progress toward improving the overall health of the American public.
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Additional Resources
- Bloomberg: HHS and USDA on Ultra-Processed Foods Definition
- Healthline: Ultra-Processed Foods and Premature Death
- The New Yorker: The Deadly American Diet
- CNN: Hyperpalatable Foods and Wellness
- Vox: July Fourth and Ultra-Processed Foods
- Wikipedia: Ultra-Processed Foods
- Google Scholar: Ultra-Processed Foods
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Processed Foods
- Google Search: Ultra-Processed Foods Health Effects
- Google News: Ultra-Processed Foods
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
