New Federal Plan Could Redefine What’s in Your Grocery Cart

Per a joint announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the federal government is taking new steps to address growing public health concerns over ultra-processed foods. The agencies have launched a formal Request for Information (RFI) to develop a standardized, federally recognized definition of ultra-processed foods. The initiative aims to improve transparency for consumers and support national efforts to combat chronic diseases tied to diet.

Currently, no single authoritative definition exists for what constitutes an ultra-processed food in the U.S. food supply, despite research linking such foods to a wide range of chronic conditions including obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. According to federal estimates, nearly 70% of packaged foods in the country fall into this category, and children receive over 60% of their daily calories from these items. Officials say a clear and uniform definition will support consumer awareness and public health initiatives under the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.

The push follows the release of the “Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment,” which identified the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods as a leading contributor to childhood chronic illnesses. As part of the broader plan, the FDA and NIH are also expanding research through a newly announced Nutrition Regulatory Science Program to study the health effects of these foods.

The Request for Information, scheduled to appear in the Federal Register on July 25, will invite public and stakeholder input on how ultra-processed foods should be defined, including what ingredients, processes, or nutritional markers should be considered. Officials emphasized that input from all sectors—including food producers and public health experts—will help shape the criteria used to identify these products.

As this process unfolds, no immediate regulatory changes will affect food labeling or sales. However, residents should stay informed and be prepared for possible future labeling or policy shifts that could affect how food products are categorized and marketed.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from a press release by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Video Spotlight