IDFA urges caution on regulatory definition for ultra-processed foods in US

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has submitted comments to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in response to the agencies’ request for information to help develop a uniform definition of “ultra-processed foods” for human food products in the American food supply. Roberta Wagner, IDFA’s senior vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs, says, “IDFA has worked across the US dairy industry and in partnership with the federal government to bring wholesome, healthy and affordable dairy foods to American families for decades. High-quality, safe American dairy products are proudly made with milk from US dairy farms. Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese, butter, infant formula, milk and whey powder, and other dairy foods all provide essential nutrients to Americans. Any attempts by the federal government to label such dairy foods as ‘ultra-processed’ or ‘highly processed’ foods without the support of a robust body of science, or clear scientific consensus, will confuse consumers, hinder policymakers and reduce the consumption of nutrient-rich dairy products, which are currently under-consumed according to the federal government’s own nutrition guidelines.

“Nutrition policies must not intentionally or inadvertently discourage the consumption of nutrient-rich, yet under-consumed, food groups such as dairy. IDFA believes that setting a regulatory definition for ‘ultra-processed’ or ‘highly processed’ foods is premature given the inconsistent and inconclusive body of existing science and the absence of causation between the consumption of these foods and specific negative health outcomes. We maintain that nutrient-rich and processed foods are not mutually exclusive. To deliver nutritious foods to consumers of all socio-economic backgrounds living in varied communities across the country, dairy food makers use a variety of processing methods to ensure food safety (pasteurisation), enhance nutritional value (fortification with vitamin D), meet consumers’ dietary needs (treatment with lactase enzyme to remove lactose) and extend shelf life to reduce food waste.

“IDFA recommends that the federal government focus its efforts to reduce food-related chronic disease on enhancing existing governmental initiatives to educate and encourage consumers to consume moderate portion sizes and construct a balanced diet that aligns with federal dietary recommendations, including consumption of nutrient-rich foods like dairy.”