The acting Deputy Commissioner for Foods at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledged on Tuesday that developing a highly anticipated official definition for ultra-processed foods is "quite challenging," but added that it remains a "priority" for the agency.

"Just because the challenge is daunting doesn't mean we should shy away from it," said Donald Prater, acting Deputy Commissioner for Foods at the FDA, during a keynote speech at the IFT First conference in Chicago.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previouslypushed the FDA to define ultra-processed foods, a definition that could inform future regulatory measures, including front-of-package labeling or ingredient restrictions. Kennedy has called ultra-processed foods "poison" and initially said the agency would release aproposed definitionby April, but it has not yet been released.

Prater said the science around ultra-processed foods is still evolving, and "multiple definitions are currently in use." This makes it difficult for the U.S. to develop its own definition. He told IFT attendees that the FDA is studying the different proposals that have been put forward to "try to find a reasonable definition."

According todatafrom the National Institutes of Health, ultra-processed foods such as potato chips, sodas, and packaged breads account for more than half of total dietary energy intake in high-income countries, including the U.S. Research has linked these foods to adverse health outcomes, includingcardiovascular disease、type 2 diabetesandobesity。

However, some foods like whole wheat bread, yogurt, and tofu may be considered ultra-processed under many definitions, making it difficult for regulators to establish a single definition.

In October of last year, California became thefirststate to ban ultra-processed foods in school meals and provide a definition. But the state has not yet announced which foods are the "most concerning" and should be prohibited.

Prater said that developing a definition for ultra-processed foods is crucial to helping consumers make healthier choices. In addition to the ultra-processed food definition, the FDA is also working on a front-of-package nutrition labeling rule to make calorie and added sugar information more prominent, while helping consumers quickly identify key nutritional information.

"As Secretary Kennedy recently said, the FDA's role is not to ban ultra-processed foods," Prater said. "Our role is to ensure the food supply is safe, labels are truthful and not misleading, and consumers have the information they need to make informed choices for themselves and their families."

Some companies have already proactively adjusted their formulations ahead of new definitions or regulations. While most companies are focused on removing artificial colors to meet the FDA's voluntary deadline by the end of the year, some have gone further by removing preservatives or other ingredients of consumer concern.

Bimbo Bakeries USA, the parent company of Sara Lee, said last week it wouldremove artificial preservatives and emulsifiers。