Federal Agencies Debate Definition of Ultraprocessed Foods for MAHA Agenda

Federal regulators are facing challenges in creating a unified definition for ultraprocessed foods. This definition is a key component of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. The health secretary has promised to establish such a definition for months.

In mid-April, the health secretary testified before Congress that the Food and Drug Administration had sent a proposed definition to other agencies, including the Department of Agriculture. Officials stated that the process is still ongoing and agencies are struggling to reach an agreement.

It remains unclear when a final definition will be released.

Calley Means, a senior adviser to Robert F.

Means added that it would result from hundreds of conversations with scientists, agency staff, and other stakeholders. Supporters of MAHA and scientists are advocating for a strict definition. One widely used scientific classification considers foods or drinks made with ingredients not typically found in a home kitchen as ultraprocessed.

Examples include some yogurts and peanut butters. If adopted, this could deem nearly three-quarters of foods sold in the United States as ultraprocessed.

The food industry is monitoring the debate closely. Demand for some products has softened due to consumers cutting back on spending and using weight-loss drugs. A final definition could have significant consequences for the industry.