Ultra-Processed Foods: Petition Calls for Regulation & Marketing Concerns

A growing chorus of health associations in France is sounding the alarm over the marketing of ultra-processed foods, particularly those targeted at children. A recently launched petition draws parallels between the tactics employed by the food industry and those historically used by the tobacco industry, alleging aggressive marketing strategies designed to create addiction and undermine public health. The petition calls for greater regulation of these foods, which are increasingly linked to a range of health problems.

The initiative comes as concerns mount over the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in the modern diet. These foods, often characterized by high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, as well as artificial additives, now constitute an estimated 57-60% of caloric intake for American adults and roughly 67% for children and adolescents, according to a Request for Information published by the FDA and USDA in July 2025.

Petition Highlights Marketing Tactics

The petition, spearheaded by several French health organizations, specifically criticizes the marketing of products like sugary cereals and processed chicken nuggets to children. Associations argue that these marketing campaigns often utilize appealing characters, promotional packaging, and strategic placement in stores to entice young consumers. They contend that these tactics normalize the consumption of unhealthy foods from a young age, contributing to poor dietary habits and long-term health consequences.

“The methods are the same as the tobacco industry,” stated a report from Reporterre, le média de l’écologie, summarizing the concerns raised by the petition. The comparison alludes to the tobacco industry’s historical use of targeted advertising, deceptive marketing, and lobbying efforts to promote smoking despite its known health risks.

Growing International Scrutiny

The concerns raised in France are part of a broader international trend of increasing scrutiny towards ultra-processed foods. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) jointly published a Request for Information in July 2025, seeking public input on a federal definition of “ultra-processed food” – the first formal step toward potential regulation. This initiative was bolstered by the MAHA Commission, established by executive order in February 2025 and chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The MAHA Report, released in May 2025, identified the widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods as a significant driver of diet-related chronic diseases. This position is supported by a growing body of epidemiological research linking these foods to obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

FDA Action and GRAS Ingredient Review

On February 15, 2026, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Indicated that the FDA “will act on” a petition from former FDA Commissioner Kessler requesting the revocation of Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for key ingredients commonly found in ultra-processed foods. However, Kennedy also cautioned that this action may not necessarily lead to new regulations specifically targeting ultra-processed foods.

“I’m not saying that we’re going to regulate,” Kennedy stated in an interview, as reported by Axios.

Axios

Despite this caveat, the FDA’s Human Foods Program 2026 priorities, published on January 27, 2026, explicitly listed a definition of ultra-processed food as a key deliverable, signaling a continued commitment to addressing the issue.

Calls for Regulation and Consumer Awareness

Advocates for stricter regulation argue that a clear definition of ultra-processed foods is crucial for informing consumers and enabling them to make healthier choices. They also believe that regulation could incentivize food manufacturers to reformulate their products and reduce the reliance on unhealthy ingredients. A petition launched by Metabolic Revolution in February 2025 specifically calls for a ban on ultra-processed foods.

The growing movement to address ultra-processed foods reflects a broader public health concern about the impact of the modern food system on individual and population health. As research continues to emerge and public awareness increases, pressure on regulators and food manufacturers to take action is likely to intensify.