Overview
- Peer‑reviewed research in Nutrients classified 71% of 651 infant and toddler products as ultra‑processed using the NOVA system.
- Ultra‑processed items averaged 14.0g sugar per 100g versus 7.3g for others, with higher sodium (70mg vs 41mg per 100g) and added sugars present only in UPFs.
- Additives were the most common ingredient category, with the lead author reporting one or more additives as the top ingredient in 71% of products.
- UPF prevalence varied by format—94% of snacks, 86% of full‑size packages, 73% of pouches—with pouch sales up nearly 900% since 2010.
- HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he intends to act on a petition to scrutinize GRAS ingredients as states advance school restrictions, San Francisco pursues litigation, and industry groups defend current safety reviews.