Americans of all political stripes want to regulate ultraprocessed foods. Is anyone listening?

Americans of all political stripes want to regulate ultraprocessed foods. Is anyone listening?

A Growing Movement for Food Transparency

Americans of all political stripes want – Mounting public pressure is reshaping the landscape of food regulation in the United States. A recent survey reveals that a majority of Americans—77% of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents—support the introduction of mandatory warning labels on ultraprocessed food packaging. This marks a significant shift, as the demand for transparency is no longer confined to health advocates or specific political factions. The findings, published in the *American Journal of Public Health*, highlight a widespread call for action, with additional data showing that 70% of respondents advocate for restrictions on ultraprocessed food advertising during children’s television programming. Furthermore, 87% of participants believe the government should conduct rigorous safety assessments of all laboratory-created chemicals before their use in food products.

Calling for Systemic Change

Amid this surge in public concern, a new campaign titled “Fed UP!” has emerged to empower consumers and push for healthier dietary standards. Led by researchers including Ashley Gearhardt, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, the initiative aims to educate Americans about the impact of ultraprocessed foods and mobilize them to demand policy reforms. The campaign’s website serves as a hub for resources such as explanatory articles, research summaries, and actionable guides, enabling individuals to engage with policymakers and school boards. Gearhardt emphasized the importance of this movement, stating, “Families are asking important questions about how food is made, marketed, and regulated—and how they can be part of the solution.”

A Call for Stronger Regulation

Experts argue that regulatory measures are long overdue. Laura Schmidt, a scientific contributor to the “Fed UP!” campaign, criticized the current lack of oversight, noting that the nation’s first sugary soda tax was launched in 2009. By 2026, she pointed out, the U.S. has not made substantial progress in addressing the risks associated with ultraprocessed foods. “We are not regulating enough chemical additives in these products, and there’s no clear warning for consumers,” Schmidt said. She highlighted the success of similar initiatives in South America, where governments have implemented stricter controls for years, as a benchmark for American policy.

While the public’s appetite for reform is clear, industry stakeholders have yet to respond with decisive action. The MAHA Commission, established to tackle ultraprocessed foods, initially promised bold measures by August 2025. However, its final report, released in September, only outlined continued efforts to define ultraprocessed foods without establishing binding regulations. Barry Popkin, a professor at the University of North Carolina, described the report as “all promises and no teeth,” suggesting that lobbying by food and pharmaceutical industries has influenced policy outcomes. “These companies have effectively secured their interests at the highest levels of government,” Popkin remarked.

Health Implications of Unchecked Consumption

The debate over ultraprocessed foods extends beyond policy to public health. Recent studies have linked excessive intake of these products to severe health consequences. For instance, consuming just 10% more calories daily from ultraprocessed foods—equivalent to one serving—may double the risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality. Similarly, higher consumption is associated with a 55% increased likelihood of obesity and a 40% greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes. The connection to cognitive health is also alarming: research suggests ultraprocessed foods may accelerate Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.

A companion study published alongside the *American Journal of Public Health* findings revealed that adults in the U.S. who regularly eat ultraprocessed foods face nearly a 60% higher risk of dementia. Cindy Leung, an associate professor of public health nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, explained, “We found lower risks of cognitive impairment and dementia among individuals who consume minimally processed foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.” This contrast underscores the urgency of rethinking food production and labeling practices.

Industry Influence and the Path Forward

Despite public demand, the ultraprocessed food industry remains a formidable force in shaping policy. Over the past 23 years, from 1999 to 2020, these companies have spent $1.15 billion on lobbying efforts, surpassing the combined budgets of tobacco, alcohol, and gambling industries. This financial clout has led to incremental changes rather than sweeping reforms, according to critics. Gearhardt acknowledged the challenges, noting that industry resistance could delay progress. “The stakes are high,” she said, “but change is possible if the public continues to push for accountability.”

The push for regulation is gaining momentum, with campaigns like “Fed UP!” offering tools to bridge the gap between consumer awareness and policy action. By providing accessible information and advocacy strategies, the initiative seeks to equip individuals with the knowledge needed to influence local and state governments. For example, the campaign includes guides on how to petition representatives and how to encourage schools to limit ultraprocessed food options. These efforts aim to create a more transparent and health-conscious food environment, even as the industry continues its lobbying campaign.

A Nation at a Crossroads

As the debate intensifies, the question remains: will lawmakers heed the call for change? The public’s support for warning labels and safety testing signals a desire for greater transparency, yet industry influence persists. With studies linking ultraprocessed foods to a range of health issues, the case for regulation is compelling. However, the absence of concrete action from policymakers highlights the need for sustained advocacy. Gearhardt and her team remain optimistic, believing that collective effort can overcome corporate resistance. “We’re not just asking for labels—we’re asking for a cultural shift,” she said. “The goal is to create a food system that prioritizes health over profit.”

Ultimately, the success of these initiatives will depend on public engagement and political will. As the health risks of ultraprocessed foods become more evident, the pressure on lawmakers to act is expected to grow. Whether this momentum translates into meaningful policy changes remains to be seen, but the movement for healthier food environments has already gained significant traction. The challenge now lies in transforming this public sentiment into tangible legislative action, ensuring that the food we eat reflects the values of health and transparency that Americans increasingly demand.

Quotes from Key Figures

“Families are asking important questions about how food is made, marketed and regulated and how they can be a part of change.” – Ashley Gearhardt, University of Michigan

“We are not regulating enough chemical additives that go into ultraprocessed foods. We don’t have transparency into how these foods are created. We don’t have a consumer warning label.” – Laura Schmidt, University of California San Francisco

“Conversely, we found lower risks of cognitive impairment and dementia for high vs low consumers of minimally processed foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.” – Cindy Leung, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health