HHS and USDA Unveil Landmark Reforms for Food Ingredient Oversight and Ultra-Processed Food Definition

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced two significant actions to modernize federal oversight of food ingredients and establish a stronger scientific foundation for future nutrition policy. This includes a proposed rule requiring manufacturers to notify the FDA when a substance is deemed "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS), and a joint effort with the USDA to propose the federal government's first definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These reforms aim to increase transparency and address public health concerns like childhood obesity.