Top FDA officials weighing regulation of ultra-processed foods, internal documents show Nicholas Florko By Nicholas Florko July 15, 2024

https://www.statnews.com/2024/07/15/fda-explores-ultra-processed-food-regulation/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9IDCnYv1V8s3SAqbXJMr3JMYqWqGnJCpM9VxsPm7-lviXuP3XJXYVldTl01OjxinqFr6aNCpSBbXCpfabZaCsOS3YvPQ&_hsmi=315530726&utm_content=315530726&utm_source=hs_email They’re apparently talking about it! Two top FDA officials — Haider Warraich and Robin McKinnon — met multiple times in February to discuss regulating ultra-processed foods like soda, prepackaged cookies, and breakfast cereals, according to internal agency calendars obtained by STAT’s Nick Florko. We don’t need to start stocking up on Cap’n Crunch just yet, though. The FDA is likely years, if not decades, away from seriously regulating these foods, which make up about 60% of all calories consumed by the typical American. Experts told Nick that there’s essentially no way that the federal agency could move swiftly on the issue. Still, it’s on the minds of FDA leaders — commissioner Robert Califf has also signaled his interest. Read more on how agency officials are talking about our favorite foods.