CHICAGO, July 28, 2025 — IFMA The Food Away from Home Association launched a new benefit for members: A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. The report is compiled and written by Dr. Joy Dubost, a renowned food scientist and registered dietician with strong knowledge of what’s happening on the regulatory front. More information about Dr. Dubost is available here.  

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF) 

On July 24th, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a joint Request for Information (RFI). They are asking for public feedback on how to define ultra-processed foods (UPF). The public has 60 days to submit comments, with the deadline set for September 23, 2025. 

This is the first time the U.S. government is formally trying to define UPF. As noted within the MAHA initial report, the government is concerned that eating UPF may be linked to poor health, more food additives and increased caloric intake and overall lower diet quality. 

The agencies provided examples of UPF definitions used in other countries and those proposed at the state level (e.g., California). They are seeking input on various aspects of defining UPF, including ingredient types, amounts, processing methods, and labeling practices. The agencies have raised numerous questions they seek input on by the public including the relevance of existing classification systems, if "ultra-processed" is the right terminology, and how a regulatory definition could be used in federal policy. 

The impact of creating a formal definition of UPF could unify research efforts but also impact future policies including dietary guidelines, federal feeding programs such as school meals and food assistance programs, and public health messaging, including any recommendations on restricting intake of UPF. This will impact the food industry as companies will need to assess their product portfolio and address potential reformulation of current and future products as well as marketing of products.

State Updates: Idaho 

On July 23rd, Governor Brad Little welcomed Secretary Kennedy, Jr., in Idaho to celebrate Idaho’s leadership in welcoming the movement to MAHA and to discuss new ways to support the behavioral health needs of Idaho’s tribal members. Governor declared August as Keep Idaho Healthy Month. More details on the proclamation and action taken by the governor are found here.

MAHA: Industry Commitments

Consumer Brands Association recently announced a voluntary commitment to remove FD&C colors from foods served in schools nationwide by the start of the 2026-2027 school year. Through today’s voluntary commitment they are agreeing to eliminate the use of FD&C Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6 from their product portfolios. The leadership of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) praised the Consumer Brands Association for its pledge on behalf of the makers of the nation’s food and beverage products to remove certified FD&C petroleum-based colors from America’s food supply. In addition, WK Kellogg Co will cut synthetic dyes from its cereals by the end of 2027.