FDA PROPOSES NEW FOOD INGREDIENT RULE BUT SKIPS DEFINING ‘ULTRA-PROCESSED’ - THE GUARDIAN

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new rule that would regulate certain food ingredients, but the proposal notably omits a definition for the term ‘ultra‑processed’. The move was announced today by the FDA in a regulatory filing.

According to The Guardian, the draft rule is intended to tighten oversight on ingredients used in processed foods, but it leaves unclear how the agency will classify ultra‑processed items. The omission has prompted questions from industry groups about how the rule will be applied without a clear definition. No specific figures or quotes from FDA officials appear in the filing, and the Guardian notes that the proposal is still open to public comment.

The lack of a definition for ultra‑processed foods means the rule’s practical reach and enforcement could be uneven, potentially affecting manufacturers’ labeling and compliance obligations. The FDA’s move follows a broader national conversation about food safety and transparency.

• FDA proposes new ingredient rule, omitting definition of ‘ultra‑processed’
• Rule is still in draft form and open for public comment
• The Guardian reports that the omission raises questions about enforcement

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