In recent years, the prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases has surged to alarming levels across the United States. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even neurological disorders have become widespread public health challenges, imposing enormous human and economic costs. Experts and policymakers increasingly recognize that the root cause of many of these health issues lies in the nation’s food system—specifically the dramatic rise in consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, federal agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are spearheading a critical initiative to define and regulate ultra-processed foods at the national level. This move marks a watershed moment in America’s efforts to tackle diet-related chronic diseases.
The concept of ultra-processed foods refers to products typically manufactured using industrial processes and composed largely of substances extracted or derived from foods, such as oils, fats, sugars, starches, and protein isolates, often combined with artificial flavors, colors, emulsifiers, and preservatives. These foods dominate the American food landscape; estimates suggest that approximately 70% of packaged foods in U.S. grocery stores fall into this category, with children obtaining more than 60% of their daily caloric intake from such products.
This high dependency on ultra-processed foods has been linked by decades of scientific research to multiple adverse health outcomes. For example, a large cohort study published in the British Medical Journal in 2019 followed over 100,000 French adults and found that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Similar associations have been documented in U.S.-based studies, including data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which reveal that diets high in ultra-processed foods correlate with obesity and metabolic syndrome in children and adults alike.
The public health consequences of this dietary pattern are especially stark in vulnerable populations. In urban centers such as Detroit and Baltimore, where food deserts limit access to fresh produce and minimally processed foods, reliance on cheap, calorie-dense ultra-processed products has exacerbated health disparities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity rates in these areas can be as high as 25%, substantially above the national average.
Against this backdrop, the absence of a standardized, federally recognized definition of ultra-processed foods has long hampered regulatory efforts. The FDA and USDA’s joint initiative to create a clear and uniform definition aims to close this gap. Secretary Kennedy emphasizes that without such clarity, consumers are left confused, and policy measures remain inconsistent. “Ultra-processed foods are driving the chronic disease epidemic,” he stated in a recent press briefing. “To turn the tide, we must define these products clearly and hold the food industry accountable for their role in public health.”
Agriculture Secretary Rollins has underscored the importance of involving stakeholders throughout the entire food supply chain—from farmers to manufacturers to retailers—in shaping the new definition and associated policies. Her vision recognizes that meaningful progress requires collaboration across sectors and sensitivity to economic realities. “We cannot overlook the farmers, the food processors, and the distributors who play vital roles in feeding America,” she explained. “Their voices will be integral as we reshape our approach to healthier food production.”
This federal effort builds upon findings from the recent Healthy Kids Assessment, which identified excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods as a significant contributor to the childhood chronic disease crisis. The report’s recommendations included calls for stricter labeling standards, limits on marketing to children, and public education campaigns—all of which hinge on having a clear operational definition.
From a regulatory standpoint, the FDA’s involvement is crucial. Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, MPH, has expressed strong commitment to advancing this agenda, recognizing the health risks posed by ultra-processed foods. He points to existing FDA frameworks, such as the Nutrition Facts label, as potential platforms for communicating clearer information about processing levels. “For too long, consumers have lacked straightforward guidance about the degree of processing in their foods,” Makary remarked. “Establishing a federal standard will be transformative in promoting informed consumer choices.”
American cities have begun to experiment with policies that implicitly address ultra-processed food consumption. For example, New York City’s attempted soda portion cap in 2012, although legally challenged, reflected growing municipal interest in curbing sugary, ultra-processed beverage consumption. Similarly, Berkeley, California’s successful soda tax, implemented in 2015, demonstrated how targeted fiscal measures can influence consumption patterns and generate revenue for health programs.
Furthermore, public health campaigns such as Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” initiative have raised awareness about the health dangers of processed and fast foods. These efforts, combined with school nutrition reforms that increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables, show the practical benefits of tackling ultra-processed foods at multiple levels.
However, challenges remain. The food industry, which profits heavily from ultra-processed products, wields considerable influence and often resists regulatory changes perceived to threaten profitability. Past attempts to regulate marketing to children, reduce added sugars, or mandate warning labels have encountered significant pushback.
Yet, economic realities increasingly favor healthier choices. Consumer trends indicate growing demand for “clean label” products—foods with minimal additives and simpler ingredients. Major food corporations such as General Mills and Kraft Heinz have launched product lines marketed as natural or less processed, reflecting shifting market dynamics.
The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the intersection between diet and health. Studies showed that individuals with obesity and related chronic conditions faced higher risks of severe COVID-19 outcomes, prompting renewed interest in addressing underlying dietary factors. This context has added urgency to the federal effort to define and mitigate the harms of ultra-processed foods.
In this environment, the federal government’s initiative to establish a standardized definition of ultra-processed foods could be a game-changer. Such a definition would enable more precise regulatory tools, including revised labeling standards, targeted public health campaigns, and evidence-based nutrition guidelines.
It also opens the door to innovations in food technology. Researchers are exploring ways to create nutritious, convenient foods that minimize the use of artificial additives and excessive processing, aligning industry incentives with public health goals.
For American families, particularly those in underserved communities, these developments promise improved access to healthier food choices and better health outcomes. While changing entrenched dietary habits is complex, clear definitions and supportive policies create an environment where informed decisions become easier.
Secretary Kennedy summarized the stakes succinctly: “Defining ultra-processed foods isn’t just a technical task—it’s a moral imperative. We owe it to current and future generations to build a food system that promotes health rather than disease.”
As the FDA and USDA advance this historic initiative, the eyes of public health experts, industry stakeholders, and consumers alike remain fixed on how America will reshape its relationship with food. The success of this effort could mark a decisive step toward curbing the chronic disease epidemic and ensuring a healthier future for all.