Ultra-Processed Foods: What the FDA Is Doing and What It Means for the Food Industry.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become a growing focus in nutrition and public health discussions and now, they are definitely on the radar of U.S. regulators. These foods, which undergo extensive industrial processing and often include additives, flavorings, or other non-traditional ingredients, make up a large share of what Americans eat every day.
According to research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, roughly 75% of the U.S. food supply could currently be classified as ultra-processed. That statistic alone shows why the issue is so significant for both consumers and food manufacturers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have both flagged UPFs as a concern, citing studies linking high consumption to obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and other chronic conditions. Because UPFs are so prevalent, the agencies are now exploring how to define them consistently a move that could eventually shape labeling, marketing, and formulation standards across the food industry.
On July 24, 2025, the FDA and USDA issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public feedback on how ultra-processed foods should be defined. The agencies are asking for input on what factors, characteristics, and processing criteria should be included in a formal definition. The comment period for this RFI was later extended to October 23, 2025, giving manufacturers, researchers, and consumer groups more time to weigh in. At the same time, the FDA announced a collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through its Nutrition Regulatory Science Program. This partnership aims to better understand how UPFs influence health outcomes and how science can inform future food policy.
What This Means for Food Companies
While no official regulatory definition exists yet, the direction of federal policy is clear: attention on UPFs is increasing. Companies should begin thinking about how this evolving landscape might affect their products and operations.
Here are four key areas to watch:
1. Product Labeling
A federal definition could influence what marketing claims are allowed and how “ultra-processed” foods are presented on packaging or in nutrition labeling.

2. Product Reformulation
Reducing reliance on additives, added sugars, and refined starches or shifting toward ingredients with clearer nutritional benefits may help brands stay ahead of potential future guidance.

3. Product Differentiation
Depending on how “processing” is defined, two similar products could fall into different categories. Manufacturers should evaluate each product’s ingredient list and production process.

4. Regulatory Monitoring
Keeping an eye on both federal and state developments will be critical.

Key Takeaway

• Ultra-processed foods are under increasing regulatory and public health scrutiny.
• The FDA and USDA are actively developing a standardized definition that may lead to new policies or labeling standards.
• Food manufacturers should take a proactive approach reviewing ingredients, reformulation strategies, and labeling practices to stay prepared for upcoming changes.