FDA proposes new food ingredient rule but skips defining ‘ultra-processed’

In a move aimed at closing a regulatory loophole, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is revamping its rules on food ingredient notifications. The new guidelines will require manufacturers to submit detailed information about new ingredients and their intended uses, a change that could lead to greater transparency and accountability in the food industry. However, the FDA has once again delayed the release of a long-promised definition of "ultra-processed foods," a key component of the administration's efforts to reform food regulations. This omission has sparked criticism, particularly as the country grapples with one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent history, raising concerns about the FDA's ability to effectively regulate the food industry.

Move closes loophole but doesn’t include definition of ultra-processed foods, promised earlier this yearThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is changing its rules on how food manufacturers notify them of ingredients brought to the market – but the Trump administration has once again punted on defining “ultra-processed foods”, promising more details later.While the move would close a regulatory loophole, it falls short of the administration’s promises to reform food regulations dramatically even as one of the biggest foodborne illness outbreaks unfolds. Continue reading...