An all-American approach toward defining ultra-processed foods

The unfolding efforts to define ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in the US are set to significantly reshape the regulatory and commercial landscape for food manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice providers. With increasing public scrutiny and bipartisan political support for addressing the impact of food in America’s public health, UPFs are expected to be a central focus of the upcoming 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, led by the MAHA Commission. At the state level, California and Arizona have already taken legislative steps to define and regulate UPFs, potentially creating a complex and fragmented environment for food companies that operate across state lines.