WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a joint initiative to combat rising rates of chronic illness in the United States, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture have announced a federal Request for Information (RFI) to establish a standardized definition for ultra-processed foods. The move aims to improve consumer transparency and inform future health policy.
Led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, the effort represents a significant step toward addressing what officials describe as a nationwide epidemic driven by overconsumption of ultra-processed foods. Currently, no formal federal definition exists for this category of food products, which includes a large portion of packaged goods in the American diet.
“Ultra-processed foods are driving our chronic disease epidemic,” said Secretary Kennedy. “We must act boldly to eliminate the root causes of chronic illness and improve the health of our food supply.”
The initiative follows the release of the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, which underscores the role of ultra-processed food in rising rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, and related illnesses. According to federal estimates, more than 70% of packaged foods in the U.S. fall into this category, and children receive over 60% of their daily calories from such products.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary stated, “The threats posed to our health by foods often considered ultra-processed are clear and convincing,” emphasizing the importance of a unified definition to guide policy and research.
The RFI, to be published in the Federal Register on July 24, seeks public input on the criteria that should inform the definition of ultra-processed foods. Officials hope the outcome will support regulatory consistency, strengthen scientific research, and guide future public health interventions.
As part of this broader effort, the FDA and National Institutes of Health are also advancing the Nutrition Regulatory Science Program to further investigate the health implications of ultra-processed food consumption.
Secretary Rollins reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving public health outcomes while ensuring that agricultural stakeholders remain part of the conversation. “A unified, widely understood definition for ultra-processed foods is long overdue,” she said, adding that the initiative aligns with President Trump’s broader health priorities.
The agencies intend for this foundational step to inform additional measures aimed at reducing chronic disease and promoting long-term wellness nationwide.
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