A RESOLUTION urging federal policymakers to adopt a uniform definition of "ultra-processed food."

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A RESOLUTION urging federal policymakers to adopt a uniform definition of 1
"ultra-processed food." 2
WHEREAS, the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky reco gnizes 3
that the health of Kentuckians directly affects workforce participation, educational 4
outcomes, military readiness, and the long -term fiscal stability of state and federal 5
programs; and 6
WHEREAS, Kentucky consistently experiences higher -than-national-average rates 7
of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other diet -related chronic conditions, 8
which contribute to increased Medicaid expenditures, reduced productivity, and strain on 9
rural and urban health care systems alike; and 10
WHEREAS, the American food system has evolved over recent decades to include 11
a growing share of foods manufactured using complex industrial processes, additives, and 12
formulations not traditionally used in home or commercial kitchens; and 13
WHEREAS, foods commonly described i n scientific literature as "ultra -processed" 14
now constitute a substantial portion of caloric intake in the United States, including 15
among children and working-age adults in the Commonwealth of Kentucky; and 16
WHEREAS, numerous peer -reviewed studies have iden tified correlations between 17
high consumption of such foods and adverse health outcomes, while also acknowledging 18
the need for consistent terminology to ensure reliable research, sound policymaking, and 19
clear communication to the public; and 20
WHEREAS, the la ck of a uniform, federally recognized definition of "ultra -21
processed food" has resulted in inconsistent usage across federal agencies, academic 22
research, dietary guidelines, and regulatory discussions, creating uncertainty for 23
consumers, producers, and policymakers; and 24
WHEREAS, clear and narrowly tailored definitions adopted at the federal level can 25
improve transparency, reduce regulatory ambiguity, support free -market decision -26
making, and allow states to craft health and nutrition policies consistent with local needs 27
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and values; and 1
WHEREAS, federal policymakers are uniquely positioned to establish a 2
scientifically grounded, nonpartisan definition of "ultra -processed food" that respects 3
consumer choice, avoids unnecessary regulatory overreach, and provides a common 4
framework for research, education, and voluntary guidance; and 5
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth o f Kentucky has a legitimate interest in 6
encouraging federal policies that are clear, evidence -based, and supportive of healthier 7
outcomes without imposing mandates on states, families, or businesses; 8
NOW, THEREFORE, 9
Be it resolved by the House of Represent atives of the General Assembly of the 10
Commonwealth of Kentucky: 11
Section 1. The House of Representatives of the General Assembly respectfully 12
urges federal policymakers to adopt the following uniform definitions: 13
(1) "Ultra-processed food of concern" means a food that is high in added sugars, 14
industrial fats, and additives tha t offers no meaningful benefit to safety, shelf life, or 15
nutrient availability, and provides minimal nutritional value; and 16
(2) "Ultra-processed food" means a food product for human consumption 17
excluding: 18
(a) A food that is nutrient dense and is regulated under the Federal Meat 19
Inspection Act, 21 U.S.C. sec. 601 et seq., the Poultry Products Inspection Act, 21 U.S.C. 20
sec. 451 et seq., or the Egg Products Inspection Act, 21 U.S.C. sec. 1031 et seq.; 21
(b) A nutrient-dense food that is composed of three or mor e nutrients per serving 22
and contains fewer calories than a nonnutrient -dense food and that may be processed to 23
improve safety, shelf life, or nutrient availability; or 24
(c) A food that: 25
1. Is processed to preserve or slightly enhance a whole food; 26
2. Is derived from a whole, natural, or raw agricultural product and maintains a 27
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similar nutrient profile; 1
3. Is canned, cured, frozen, or contains minimal additives and complies with 2
good manufacturing practices and applicable federal and state food safety regulations; 3
4. Uses traditional preservation methods, including but not limited to: 4
a. Salting; 5
b. Curing, or 6
c. Smoking; 7
5. Uses ingredients to prepare or season a whole food, including but not limited 8
to: 9
a. Oils; 10
b. Fats; 11
c. Sugar; 12
d. Honey; and 13
e. Salt; or 14
6. Preserves or slightly enhances an existing whole food. 15
(3) This section shall not apply to a liquid beverage for human consumption. 16
Section 2. The Clerk of the House of Representatives is directed to transmit a 17
copy of this Resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the 18
Majority Leader of the United States Senate, each member of the Kentucky congressional 19
delegation, the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, and the 20
Commissioner of the Food Drug Administration. 21