ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Convenience Stores is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration to prevent federal nutrition policy from being based on the concept of “ultra-processed foods” (UPFs), which the group describes as vague, inconsistent, and potentially harmful to food access.
In a letter sent this week to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and FDA Commissioner Martin Makary, NACS expressed concern that efforts to tie nutrition policy to the UPF framework “would not strengthen nutrition programs and address health concerns, but instead undermine food access and impose significant, complex compliance burdens on food retailers.”
The trade association noted that UPFs account for about 73% of the U.S. food supply and are especially crucial for lower-income consumers due to their affordability, shelf stability, and accessibility. In convenience stores, which often serve these communities, many staple products, such as whole-grain breads, Greek yogurt, fortified cereals, and canned fruits and vegetables, are classified as UPFs despite their nutritional benefits.
NACS warned that basing regulation on a disputed definition could “restrict consumer choice, limit food access in vulnerable communities and saddle retailers with costly compliance burdens.”
The association highlighted that its members are dedicated to offering affordable, accessible food and stated it is prepared to collaborate with USDA, FDA, and other stakeholders to guarantee that future policies reinforce that goal.
