Proposed System to Define Ultra-Processed Foods
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Print Mail Download info_icon_img/>i
  • A recent article titled, “Defining the Role of Processing in Food Classification Systems –The IUFoST Formulation and Processing Approach,” reports on a proposed novel approach to defining ultra-processed food (UPF) known as the IUFoST Formulation and Processing Classification (IF&PC) scheme.
  • As we have previously blogged, there is no formal legal definition of UPF. Traditional food classification systems, like the NOVA classification, typically categorize foods based on their level of processing, but they often fail to distinguish between the formulation (the selection of ingredients) and the processing (the treatment of food materials). This lack of differentiation can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the health implications of various foods.
  • The IF&PC scheme evaluates foods based on several key properties:
    • Nutritional Value: How the formulation and processing affect the nutrient content.
    • Safety: The impact on food safety and potential health risks.
    • Sustainability: Environmental considerations related to food production.
    • Palatability: The sensory qualities that affect consumer acceptance.
    • Affordability: Economic factors influencing food accessibility.
    • Convenience: The ease of preparation and consumption.
  • The authors emphasize the importance of ongoing research and collaboration among food scientists, engineers, and nutritionists. They suggest that further refinement and expansion of the IF&PC scheme could lead to better public understanding and more informed policy-making related to food processing and nutrition.
  • Keller and Heckman will continue to monitor developments related to defining ultra-processed foods.
© 2025 Keller and Heckman LLP

Current Public Notices

Current Legal Analysis

More from Keller and Heckman LLP

Texas Launches Another Investigation into Healthy Claims in Cereals
by: Food and Drug Law at Keller and Heckman
FDA Approves Three New Natural Food Colors
by: Food and Drug Law at Keller and Heckman
FDA and HHS Announce Next Steps in “Operation Stork Speed”
by: Food and Drug Law at Keller and Heckman
FDA Announces Expanded Use of Unannounced Inspections at Foreign Manufacturing Facilities
by: Food and Drug Law at Keller and Heckman
FDA and NIH Launch Joint Nutrition Regulatory Science Program
by: Food and Drug Law at Keller and Heckman
FDA Extends Comment Period for Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling Rule
by: Food and Drug Law at Keller and Heckman
FDA Releases 2023 CORE Annual Report
by: Food and Drug Law at Keller and Heckman
FDA to Rehire Some Staff
by: Food and Drug Law at Keller and Heckman
CPSC Advances Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Standard for E-Mobility Devices
by: Sheila A. Millar , Antonia Stamenova-Dancheva
FDA Scores Win in Wages, but Industry Eyes Fifth Circuit Remand in Flavored Vape PMTA Denial Challenge
by: Azim Chowdhury , Eric P. Gotting
Re-evaluation of Acesulfame K (E 950) as Food Additive
by: Food and Drug Law at Keller and Heckman
Draft FDA Budget Proposes Cutting Funding, Shifting Food Inspections to States
by: Food and Drug Law at Keller and Heckman
CODEX ALIMENTARIUS: Main Outcome of the 23rd Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV23)
by: Christophe Leprêtre

Upcoming Events

 
NLR Logo
We collaborate with the world's leading lawyers to deliver news tailored for you. Sign Up for any (or all) of our 25+ Newsletters.

 

Sign Up for any (or all) of our 25+ Newsletters