United States food authorities are currently grappling with how to define ultra-processed foods (UPFs). According to FoodNavigator Europe, the debate has shifted away from whether these foods exist and towards the specific criteria used to identify them.
Three competing approaches are being considered. These include defining UPFs based on the processing methods used, the specific ingredients and nutrient composition, or a hybrid model that combines all three factors.
The disagreement follows a 2025 request for information from the FDA and USDA, as regulators seek a standardised way to classify these products.
