IDFA advises against regulatory definition for ultra-processed

USA – The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has submitted comments to the FDA and the U.S. 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 USA food supply.

Roberta Wagner, IDFA’s senior vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs, criticized federal efforts to label certain dairy products as “ultra-processed” or “highly processed.”

“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.”

Wagner said IDFA maintains that nutrient-rich and processed foods are not mutually exclusive.

“Nutrition policies must not intentionally or inadvertently discourage the consumption of nutrient-rich, yet under-consumed, food groups such as dairy,” Wagner said, noting that dairy products contain nutrients that the government has identified as under-consumed by people in the USA.

In urging federal agencies against an official definition, Wagner and IDFA cited an inconsistent and inconclusive body of science on ultra-processed and/or highly processed foods, as well as the absence of causation between their consumption and specific negative health outcomes.

The IDFA emphasized that nutrient-rich and processed foods can coexist, challenging the notion that processing diminishes nutritional value.

Dairy producers use techniques such as pasteurization, vitamin D fortification, lactose removal, and shelf-life extension to deliver nutritious products to diverse communities across the USA safely.

Roberta Wagner emphasized that dairy companies rely on processing methods to ensure food safety, enhance nutritional value through fortification, and cater to diverse dietary needs, such as lactose intolerance.

She added that these processes also help extend shelf life, which is crucial for reducing 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,” Wagner said.

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