Federal dietary guidance urges eating fewer highly processed foods

New federal guidelines released Jan. 7 advise Americans to eat fewer highly processed foods; experts note there is no single U.S. definition and the FDA has pledged research with the USDA.

Federal dietary guidelines released on Jan. 7 advise Americans to eat fewer “highly processed” foods and to avoid sugar-sweetened beverages. The guidelines affect federal feeding programs such as school meals and nutrition assistance. Public health data show a large share of U.S. calories come from ultra-processed foods. Experts and agencies differ on how to define those foods for policy and consumer guidance. Key points: - The Jan. 7 guidelines identify "highly processed" foods — including many packaged, ready-to-eat items and sugar-sweetened beverages — as foods to limit. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that Americans get about 55% of their total calories from ultra-processed foods. - There is no single U.S. definition for "ultra-processed" foods; some researchers and nutrition experts use the NOVA classification and describe these items as made with industrial ingredients. - The Food and Drug Administration has committed to research on ultra-processed foods and to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture toward a uniform definition, but no timetable was specified. - Public health experts told ABC News they worry that releasing guidance without a clear, shared definition could complicate policy, research, and consumer understanding. Summary: The guidelines mark a change by naming highly processed foods as items to limit and could influence federal nutrition programs. The absence of a uniform U.S. definition is cited by experts as a barrier to measuring consumption and shaping consistent policy and labeling. The FDA’s research and collaboration with the USDA is described as the next step; specific timelines are undetermined at this time.