NCC Responds to FDA and USDA’s Call for Information on Ultra-Processed Foods
In a move aimed at refining the understanding and classification of “ultra-processed foods,” the National Chicken Council (NCC) has submitted detailed comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This submission comes in response to a request for information from both agencies regarding the development of a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods.
NCC’s Position on Classification Systems
The NCC has raised significant concerns regarding the impact of a strict classification system for ultra-processed foods. The Council argues that rather than focusing on a rigid definition, the FDA and USDA should enhance existing frameworks and consumer education as scientific knowledge evolves. Should the agencies choose to implement a classification system, the NCC advocates for a uniform, science-based approach. This approach must prioritize nutritional content and ingredient functionality rather than merely counting processing steps or ingredient quantities.
Call for Adherence to Administrative Procedures
The NCC emphasizes the importance of adherence to the Administrative Procedure Act in any development of classification systems. This adherence would provide all stakeholders with a valuable opportunity to engage with the agencies’ insights and to formally discuss this critical issue.
A Focus on Nutritional Frameworks
“We urge FDA and USDA to adopt a nutrition-led framework that promotes consumption of safe, affordable, and culturally important proteins like chicken,” stated Ashley Peterson, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs at NCC. “If a classification system is pursued, NCC commits to collaborating with FDA, USDA, and other key stakeholders to create a clear, science-driven system that safeguards public health and does not inadvertently discourage the consumption of nutrient-dense foods.”
Summary of NCC’s Key Comments
The NCC’s comments center around several key areas:
- The use of peer-reviewed research and government data to demonstrate the nutritional benefits of processed chicken products, emphasizing their role in providing high-quality protein and micronutrients in an accessible form.
- Concerns regarding the NOVA classification system, which is criticized for overlooking nutrient density and protein quality, leading to misleading categorizations.
- A caution against broadly applying the term “ultra-processed” in policy discussions, which fails to differentiate nutritionally distinct foods.
- A proposal to focus on what is inside the food—such as nutrient density, protein quality, and ingredients—versus the processing methods used.
Continuing Collaboration for Public Health
“We stand ready to provide further data, expertise, and collaboration as FDA and USDA navigate this definitional challenge,” said Peterson. “A definition that takes into account nutrient considerations can guide consumers and policymakers in distinguishing between foods that may be processed yet offer significant nutritional value and those that do not.”
For those interested, the full comments submitted by the NCC are available here.
Source: NCC
