In addition to CIFT’s role addressing food science technical issues for Ohio food and beverage manufacturers, we also pride ourselves on building a community among manufacturers in the region and advocating for the industry on behalf of this network.
We were recently given an excellent opportunity to do so through the federal Request for Information on “ultraprocessed foods,” issued jointly by HHS, FDA, and USDA. This RFI seeks input on how “ultraprocessed” should be defined for future labeling and regulatory considerations.
Few are more qualified to weigh in on this topic than those who actually do the processing. CIFT convened representatives from across the industry—including global leaders, family-owned businesses, and emerging brands—for a working session to discuss the RFI and provide feedback.
The session was kicked off with scientific context from Dr. Yael Vodovotz, professor in Ohio State’s Department of Food Science and Technology, who shared background on current research and classification approaches. Building on her remarks, the group moved into open discussion of the six specific questions posed by the agencies, such as whether existing classification systems could be repurposed, whether ingredient composition and nutritional profile should weigh more heavily than processing methods, and whether the term “ultraprocessed” is even useful to consumers or manufacturers.
This collaborative dialogue not only helped CIFT formulate a combined response, but also gave attendees a chance to share key steps they plan to take in their own companies to prepare for potential industry-wide changes. Every participant left with both a voice in the national conversation and practical insights to apply immediately.
CIFT looks forward to continuing to collect feedback from our member companies before submitting our response to HHS, FDA, and USDA by the September 23 deadline.