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

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UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 2526 Page 1 of 3 XXXX 3/9/2026 2:23 PM Jacketed A RESOLUTION urging federal policymakers to adopt a uniform definition of1 "ultra-processed food."2 WHEREAS, the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky recognizes3 that the health of Kentuckians directly affects workforce participation, educational4 outcomes, military readiness, and the long-term fiscal stability of state and federal5 programs; and6 WHEREAS, Kentucky consistently experiences higher-than-national-average rates7 of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other diet-related chronic conditions,8 which contribute to increased Medicaid expenditures, reduced productivity, and strain on9 rural and urban health care systems alike; and10 WHEREAS, the American food system has evolved over recent decades to include11 a growing share of foods manufactured using complex industrial processes, additives, and12 formulations not traditionally used in home or commercial kitchens; and13 WHEREAS, foods commonly described in scientific literature as "ultra-processed"14 now constitute a substantial portion of caloric intake in the United States, including15 among children and working-age adults in the Commonwealth of Kentucky; and16 WHEREAS, numerous peer-reviewed studies have identified correlations between17 high consumption of such foods and adverse health outcomes, while also acknowledging18 the need for consistent terminology to ensure reliable research, sound policymaking, and19 clear communication to the public; and20 WHEREAS, the lack of a uniform, federally recognized definition of "ultra-21 processed food" has resulted in inconsistent usage across federal agencies, academic22 research, dietary guidelines, and regulatory discussions, creating uncertainty for23 consumers, producers, and policymakers; and24 WHEREAS, clear and narrowly tailored definitions adopted at the federal level can25 improve transparency, reduce regulatory ambiguity, support free-market decision-26 making, and allow states to craft health and nutrition policies consistent with local needs27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 2526 Page 2 of 3 XXXX 3/9/2026 2:23 PM Jacketed and values; and1 WHEREAS, federal policymakers are uniquely positioned to establish a2 scientifically grounded, nonpartisan definition of "ultra-processed food" that respects3 consumer choice, avoids unnecessary regulatory overreach, and provides a common4 framework for research, education, and voluntary guidance; and5 WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Kentucky has a legitimate interest in6 encouraging federal policies that are clear, evidence-based, and supportive of healthier7 outcomes without imposing mandates on states, families, or businesses;8

NOW, THEREFORE,9 Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the10 Commonwealth of Kentucky:11 Section 1. The House of Representatives of the General Assembly respectfully12 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 that offers no meaningful benefit to safety, shelf life, or15 nutrient availability, and provides minimal nutritional value; and16 (2) "Ultra-processed food" means a food product for human consumption17 excluding:18 (a) A food that is nutrient dense and is regulated under the Federal Meat19 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 more nutrients per serving22 and contains fewer calories than a nonnutrient-dense food and that may be processed to23 improve safety, shelf life, or nutrient availability; or24 (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 a27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 2526 Page 3 of 3 XXXX 3/9/2026 2:23 PM Jacketed similar nutrient profile;1 3. Is canned, cured, frozen, or contains minimal additives and complies with2 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, or6 c. Smoking;7 5. Uses ingredients to prepare or season a whole food, including but not limited8 to:9 a. Oils;10 b. Fats;11 c. Sugar;12 d. Honey; and13 e. Salt; or14 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 a17 copy of this Resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the18 Majority Leader of the United States Senate, each member of the Kentucky congressional19 delegation, the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, and the20 Commissioner of the Food Drug Administration.21

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