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Diving overview:
- A nutrition nonprofit says it has announced the first certification in the U.S. for a food company to emphasize that its products are not ultra-processed.
- The Non-UPF program, which will begin in late 2024, was announced on Thursday. “Non-UPF” certification label extension Throughout the food industry, this label signifies foods that are free from excessive processing, artificial additives, and other “harmful” ingredients.
- Other nonprofits have also launched their own labels as more consumers raise concerns about processed foods. The group behind the Non-GMO Project has started. “Non-UPF certified” label provided It was conducted on a pilot basis early this year.
Dive Insights:
Consumers have become increasingly averse to ultra-processed foods, but are having trouble identifying which types of foods fit into that category.
“Our goal is to help Americans reduce confusion in food labeling and provide clear guidance on less processed foods,” Melissa Halas, founder of the Non-UPF program, said in a statement. “By creating a trusted certification mark, consumers can shop with confidence and support brands working to reduce UPF in the marketplace.”
Seven in 10 U.S. shoppers say they try to avoid ultra-processed foods. Research by the Food Integrity CollectiveWe own the Non-GMO and Non-UPF labels. However, only 37% consider themselves “very” or “very knowledgeable” about ultra-processing of food.
Certification labels can help bridge this gap and guide consumers toward healthier food choices. At the same time, the current absence of an official definition of ultra-processed foods could lead to labels relying on different criteria, leading to further confusion.
Labels in the Non-UPF program use the Nova Classification System for Ultra-Processed Foods, a framework that classifies foods into four categories based on their level of processing. Nova classifies ultra-processed foods as industrially processed products, such as mass-produced breads or packaged desserts that contain other ingredients and additives not found in the culinary preparation process.
Governing bodies and scientists have had difficulty agreeing on an official definition of ultra-processed foods. There is also debate as to whether these foods are inherently healthier than their minimally processed counterparts. For example, yogurt and protein bars are considered ultra-processed but still provide nutritional benefits.
The FDA has begun the process of defining how foods can be ultraprocessed. Earlier this month, California enacted its own definition as part of: Ban on ultra-processed foods At school.
