US cracks down on ultra-processed foods as India's UPF definition remains stuck

The United States has taken a significant step towards regulating ultra-processed foods (UPFs), renewing focus on India's delayed efforts to define and oversee one of the fastest-growing segments of the food industry.

While US regulators are working on the country's first federal definition of UPFs alongside stricter ingredient disclosure requirements, India's proposed framework has remained on hold for several years, raising concerns among public health experts about whether regulation is keeping pace with changing dietary habits.

US proposes tighter oversight of ultra-processed foods

On August 10, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed replacing its voluntary notification process for ingredients classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) with a mandatory notification system.

The proposal aims to close a regulatory gap that currently allows companies to determine whether certain ingredients qualify as safe without informing the regulator.

At the same time, the FDA and the US Department of Agriculture have submitted a proposed federal definition of ultra-processed foods for final review. Although the definition has not yet been released publicly, it marks the first coordinated effort to formally classify UPFs at the federal level.

The move comes as ultra-processed foods account for nearly 70% of the US food supply, with children receiving over 60% of their daily calorie intake from such products.

What are ultra-processed foods?

Under the widely used NOVA classification system, ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made largely from refined ingredients rather than whole foods. These products often contain additives such as emulsifiers, flavour enhancers, preservatives, artificial colours, stabilisers and sweeteners to improve taste, texture and shelf life.

Common examples include:

• Packaged snacks
• Sugary beverages
• Instant noodles
• Ready-to-eat meals
• Confectionery
• Mass-produced bread
• Processed breakfast cereals
• Flavoured dairy products

Unlike conventional processed foods, UPFs are defined not only by their nutritional content but also by the extent of industrial processing and formulation.

Why India's UPF regulation remains pending

India began discussing a regulatory framework for ultra-processed foods around 2021 through the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). However, the process gradually lost momentum as policymakers shifted their focus towards regulating foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) and introducing front-of-pack nutrition labelling.

Experts argue that the distinction is important because a product can meet nutritional standards while still being classified as ultra-processed due to the way it is manufactured and the additives it contains.

An earlier scientific report by FSSAI had itself recognised this difference, describing UPFs as industrially formulated ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat products containing preservatives, stabilisers, emulsifiers, artificial flavours and other additives.

India's UPF market has expanded rapidly

The issue has become increasingly important as India's consumption of ultra-processed foods continues to grow.

According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, retail sales of UPFs increased from approximately $0.9 billion in 2006 to nearly $38 billion in 2019, representing around a 40-fold increase.

During the same period, obesity rates among both men and women nearly doubled, highlighting growing concerns about changing dietary patterns.

A 2021 study conducted across Delhi-NCR also found ultra-processed foods widely available across grocery stores, restaurants and street food vendors, prompting researchers to recommend stronger regulatory measures and improved access to healthier food options.

Scientific evidence against ultra-processed foods grows

Research linking ultra-processed foods with poor health outcomes has strengthened considerably in recent years.

A three-part Lancet Series published in late 2025 concluded that diets high in UPFs are associated with lower dietary quality and an increased risk of several chronic diseases.

Researchers found that ultra-processed foods may contribute to excessive calorie intake because of their high energy density, hyper-palatability and extensive use of industrial additives.

Health advocacy group Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi) has urged FSSAI to revive work on a formal UPF definition, arguing that global scientific evidence is now strong enough to support regulatory action.

The organisation maintains that international research and large population studies provide sufficient evidence for India to move forward rather than waiting for additional domestic studies.

Why the US move matters for India

The latest US initiative highlights the growing global push to regulate ultra-processed foods more comprehensively.

While several countries are expanding policies around food labelling and consumer awareness, India is yet to adopt a formal definition for UPFs despite rapid market expansion and increasing concerns over obesity and lifestyle-related diseases.

Public health experts say the renewed international focus could accelerate discussions on whether India's food safety regulations should evolve beyond traditional nutritional standards to also account for the degree of industrial processing.