CHICAGO, July 22 2025 — This week IFMA The Food Away from Home Association launches 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.
This is the first installment of her report.
Dietary guidelines: Less criticism of eating protein and natural saturated fats
The once-every-five-years update to federal nutrition standards known as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) is set for a major overhaul under U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. These guidelines drive federal food and beverage programs and meals ranging from school lunches to what’s served on military bases. They also influence the advice of healthcare professionals and consumer advisories like USDA’s MyPlate.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin A. Makary and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., announced the 2025 guidelines fwill be science-based, moving away from previous recommendations that demonized natural saturated fats. They indicated that the new guidelines would emphasize increased protein and fat intake while ending criticism of whole milk, cheese, and yogurt. The updated guidelines are expected within several months.
Ultra-processed foods: A redefinition moves closer
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget has completed its review of the FDA's request for information on ultra-processed foods, signaling the publication of a proposed redefinition is imminent. After the new standard is aired, the public will have a designated period to provide feedback.
Artificial & natural colors: Red Dye No.3 is out, gardenia blue is in
The FDA has revoked the authorization for FD&C Red No. 3 in foods, requiring manufacturers to reformulate by 2027 or 2028, and is encouraging an accelerated phase-out to support public health goals. In addition, the agency has approved gardenia blue as a new natural food color additive for various beverages and candies.
Chemicals in foods: More time given for public feedback on a new eview process
The FDA is giving the public another 30 days to comment on its proposed transparent, systematic, and science-based method to rank chemicals in the food supply. The new process will guide prioritization for post-market chemical assessments under the agency's review program.
52 Standards of Identity targeted by the FDA as ‘obsolete’
The FDA is revoking or proposing to revoke 52 of what it describes as obsolete Standards of Identify covering canned fruits and vegetables, dairy products, baked goods, macaroni products, and others. According to the agency, the targeted standards apply to specific products such as some canned fruits that are no longer sold in stores. The move is part of a broader initiative to reduce regulatory burdens and increase transparency. (Learn more here about the effects on the food away from home industry.)
Oklahoma opts for universal free school meals
All public schools in Oklahoma must pay for free cafeteria meals for every student and exclude certain dyes and processed foods, the state’s top education official ordered.