Grain Foods Foundation urges caution on UPFs
GFF encourages a detailed approach, highlighting that not all UPFs are created equal and that many grain-based foods offer essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet.
USA – The Grain Foods Foundation (GFF) has submitted formal comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) concerning the categorization and public perception of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), emphasizing the need for sound science and a balanced understanding of these foods.
The comments were prompted by a July 2025 request for information from the agencies, aimed at developing a uniform definition of UPFs for human food products in the U.S. supply chain.
As discussions and regulatory considerations around UPFs intensify globally, GFF encourages a detailed approach, highlighting that not all UPFs are created equal and that many grain-based foods offer essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet.
UPFs, broadly defined as industrially processed foods often high in added sugars, sodium, unhealthy fats, and low in fiber and micronutrients, have been linked in observational studies to various adverse health outcomes, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
However, GFF points out that the current definitions of UPFs, including the widely referenced NOVA classification, are sometimes overly broad and imprecise, failing to differentiate adequately between nutrient-dense grain-based foods and less healthy options.
Highlighting the importance of grains in the diet, GFF notes that many grain-based products, including whole grain breads, cereals, and snacks, deliver vital nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
These foods can be part of a balanced diet and support public health objectives.
The foundation stresses that blanket reductions or avoidance recommendations for all UPFs could inadvertently undermine consumption of beneficial grain foods.
GFF advocates for public health policies and dietary guidelines grounded in robust scientific evidence that clearly establishes causality rather than mere associations.
They call for greater research to clarify the impacts of processing techniques and food ingredients on health outcomes beyond nutrient content alone.
This approach aims to avoid oversimplified messaging that may confuse consumers and healthcare providers alike.
The group also raises concerns about the potential negative consequences of demonizing entire food categories, which could limit consumer food choices unnecessarily and ignore the complexity of dietary patterns.
Instead, GFF promotes education that helps consumers distinguish between higher-quality and less healthy UPFs and encourages the consumption of nutrient-rich foods within a varied diet.
As UPFs continue to be a significant focus for regulators and health advocates worldwide, the Grain Foods Foundation urges stakeholders to ensure that definitions and policies around UPFs are scientifically rigorous and balanced, and to consider the positive role that many grain foods play in nutrition and health.
This measured stance aims to guide effective public health strategies while supporting innovation and consumer access to wholesome grain-based products.
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