How Policymakers Can Address Ultra-Processed Foods
Most Americans assume that ingredients in packaged food have been reviewed and approved by the FDA. But there are major gaps in the system that Big Food manufacturers exploit.
Ultra-processed foods now make up a large portion of diets in many countries, and research continues to link these products to a wide range of health problems. Yet public policies have not kept pace with the growing evidence of their harms.
The Nova food classification system groups foods by how and why they are processed. It can help policymakers to identify and reduce ultra-processed foods (Nova group 4) in diets, and to protect and promote healthy diets centered on whole and minimally processed foods, with moderate amounts of processed culinary ingredients and processed foods (Nova groups 1-3).
Policymakers could take two possible paths in regulating ultra-processed foods. One approach would regulate products that meet Nova’s definition of ultra-processed foods. Another would regulate unhealthy foods more broadly, including products that are ultra-processed, products that are high in sugar, sodium, saturated fat, or other concerning nutrients, and products that fall into both categories.
Nova can help countries update dietary guidelines, track how much ultra-processed food people are eating, set public health goals, and shape policies such as warning labels, marketing restrictions, taxes, and standards for foods served in schools or other public settings. It can also support broader efforts to strengthen healthier, more sustainable food systems built around whole and minimally processed foods.
The takeaway: the growing evidence on ultra-processed foods points to an urgent need for policy action. By using Nova in dietary guidance, monitoring, regulation, and broader food policies, governments can strengthen efforts to promote healthy diets and support more sustainable food systems.
