Yesterday, the FDA released a proposed rule that would require food companies to notify the agency when introducing a new ingredient through the “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) pathway. However, the proposal does not include a mandatory independent review of these ingredients. #FoodPolicy

New GRAS Rule Falls Short on Food-Additive Safety, Consumer Advocates Say

A new proposal aims to implement the MAHA movement’s push to close a loophole for food ingredients, but is missing important elements to ensure compliance.

civileats.com

What's the science behind snack time? 🍎 In a new article for Morning Edition, a team of experts provides tips to reset your child's snacking habits and ensure they receive all essential nutrients. Learn more: www.npr.org/2026/07/31/n... #Health #FoodPolicy #Parenting 🧪

Common advice about kids' snacking is outdated. Here's what parents should know

The ultraprocessed food industry changed snacking culture for families. There are many options of processed foods that are designed for on-the-go convenience. What should snacking look like for kids?

npr.org

For years, Red Bull financed studies that disputed the risks of mixing energy drinks + alcohol. This is yet another example of food and beverage companies shaping research to influence #FoodPolicy and public opinion. Nutrition "research" funded by the food industry is simply marketing in disguise.

Is it safe to drink Red Bull and vodka? Dubious research tied to the company has shaped energy drink policy.

The company paid scientists whose studies largely found that mixing energy drinks and alcohol isn’t harmful, contrary to most research.

theexamination.org

Four out of five foods sold for toddlers in the United States are ultraprocessed, according to research that analyzed more than 2,700 products on grocery store shelves. Nearly half of those items also failed to meet nutrition standards for children. #FoodPolicy #News #Health 🧪

4 out of 5 toddler foods are ultraprocessed. Many don’t meet child nutrition standards | CNN

Over 80% of foods marketed to toddlers are ultraprocessed, while nearly half fail to meet global nutritional guidelines, a new study found.

cnn.com

If you haven't subscribed to the Rudd Center's mailing list, you're only getting half the story! Sign up today for monthly updates on our work and the biggest news stories from the #FoodPolicy world: s.uconn.edu/ruddmailinglist

As governments around the world have adopted measures to regulate ultra-processed foods, the food industry is fighting back. In total, over 235 lawsuits have been filed over health policies targeting UPFs in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, the US and the UK since 2010. #FoodPolicy #Health #News

‘If all else fails, sue’: how ultra-processed food firms are using the courts to obstruct health rules

Exclusive: Global investigation reveals 235 lawsuits have been brought against governments in five countries since 2010

theguardian.com

Cyclospora cases are on the rise throughout the U.S. Experts have tips on how to stay safe. #FoodPolicy #News

Cyclospora Outbreak: What to Know About Symptoms and Food Safety (Gift Article)

The parasite has sickened thousands across the United States. Experts have tips on how to stay safe.

nytimes.com

The charitable food system needs our support. 💚 Find out which @feedingamerica.org food bank supports your region here: www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-lo... Additionally, you can access the our #FoodPolicy research related to the charitable food system here: uconnruddcenter.org/research/foo...

Don't be fooled by misleading front-of-package claims. Pop-Tarts, Doritos, and sugary cereals are still ultra-processed junk, even if they've been loaded with a few extra grams of protein. Learn more about deceptive advertising on our food marketing page: uconnruddcenter.org/research/foo...

#News: Sales of unprocessed foods are increasing more rapidly than sales of ultra-processed foods. This could indicate a trend toward healthier diets, depending on what else people are eating. Does this signal trouble in paradise for food companies that primarily produce UPFs? Learn more:

#News: A federal judge has blocked state bans on buying soda and candy with food stamps. The decision is a rollback of restrictions that officials have characterized as a major achievement of the "Make America Healthy Again" movement. Learn more: www.cnn.com/2026/06/23/p...

Federal judge blocks state bans on buying soda and candy with food stamps | CNN Politics

A federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration from allowing five states to ban the purchase of sugary drinks and candy with food stamps.

cnn.com

Stigma-related barriers that compromise women’s healthcare experiences can be prevented with patient-centered care, respectful communication, and collaboration. Learn about compassionate healthcare environments for women in our new Supportive Obesity Care module: s.uconn.edu/womenshealth...

People often assume that shame pushes someone toward better choices. However, research shows that it actually loads people with stress, making them less likely to engage in healthy behaviors. So, how can we move beyond blaming and shaming? #PublicHealth #Health #Medicine

The Return of Blaming and Shaming in Public Health

nytimes.com

Tobacco companies spent decades honing marketing strategies, flavor engineering and processing technologies that helped addict consumers to cigarettes. Then, in the 80s, they acquired food firms and deployed these same strategies to sell ultra-processed foods. How can we fight back? #FoodPolicy

Big tobacco hooked us on ultra-processed foods. It might teach us how to cut back

Research published in the American Journal of Public Health details the connection between ultra-processed foods and the tobacco industry when it comes to production, strategy and marketing.

npr.org

Warning labels on food products that contain high levels of sugar, sodium, or saturated fat can be an important tool in empowering consumers to make healthier choices. However, not all labels are created equal. New #FoodPolicy story from @theexamination.org: www.theexamination.org/articles/fda...

Stop signs, stars or grades: Which food labels help people buy healthier foods?

Researchers say a proposed U.S. food label is less effective than those in other countries and falls short in helping consumers identify healthy foods.

theexamination.org

Everyone is talking about "ultraprocessed foods," but defining exactly what this term means can be complicated. To help address this, @heresearch.bsky.social has released a new report with recommendations for defining UPFs for #FoodPolicy purposes. 🔗: healthyeatingresearch.org/research/ult...

With its inverted food pyramid and focus on animal proteins, the new edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans made quite a splash when it was published in January. But how will the new DGAs specifically impact children's health?🧪 🔗: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam... #FoodPolicy #Health #News

A new series of studies has found that even "natural" food dyes are associated with an increased risk for diabetes and cancer. These findings support existing recommendations to avoid all unnecessary additives and favor unprocessed and minimally processed options. #Health #FoodPolicy #News

‘Natural’ Food Dyes May Have Health Risks Too, Studies Show

A series of first-of-their-kind, large-scale epidemiological studies have suggested associations between food dyes—both “natural” and artificial—and preservatives, and an increased risk of chronic hea...

food-safety.com

Family weight teasing can hurt a child’s self-esteem, eating habits, and mental health. Now, Rudd Center #research has revealed that 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 family member the teasing comes from can impact health outcomes. Learn more about the study's findings in a new article from @annahalkidis.bsky.social:

Study Finds Weight Teasing From Moms May Be Especially Harmful for Kids

While many kids experience teasing from family members, it can be worse when it's coming from their mom.

parents.com

Food marketing to kids has moved far beyond TV commercials. The National Food Museum’s new “Selling Candy to Kids” exhibition explores cereal-box promotions, commercials, social media, games, product placement, and AI-driven targeting. #FoodMarketing #Nutrition

Selling Candy To Kids | Influencing Kids' Food Choices

Food companies use spokescharacters and cartoon tie-ins on toys, games, and ads to embed their brand names and logos into the daily lives of children.

nationalfoodmuseum.org

New guidance from @heresearch.bsky.social provides clear, practical recommendations for identifying ultraprocessed foods and reducing their availability and consumption. Learn more about the recommendations at bit.ly/UPFdefinition #HealthyEating #NutritionPolicy #UltraprocessedFoods

Even if you normally eat a healthy, plant-rich diet, increasing your daily consumption of ultraprocessed foods by just 10% may increase your risk of dementia. Learn more: www.cnn.com/2026/04/29/h... #Health #Nutrition #News 🧪

Eating healthy may not keep ultraprocessed food from increasing dementia | CNN

Your risk of cognitive decline and dementia rises with small amounts of ultraprocessed foods, even when you are trying to eat healthy, a new study found.

cnn.com

The messaging on food packaging has a major impact on what consumers buy, and even small changes can help influence better choices. However, to maximize impact, these changes should be paired with better nutrition education. Learn more: www.bbc.com/future/artic... #Health #Nutrition #News

Food labels have far-reaching effects on our health

Our environment drives many of the choices we make around what we eat. Evidence shows that to encourage consumers to make healthier choices, better labelling and education are crucial.

bbc.com

#News: SNAP beneficiaries decreased by nearly 4.3 million from 2025 to 2026. Some sources attributed this drop to a reduction in fraud and an "improved economy." However, experts say the real drivers are program changes and stricter eligibility requirements. apnews.com/article/fact...

FACT FOCUS: Why nearly 4.3 million people are no longer receiving food stamps

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins this week attributed a multimillion-person drop in the number of participants receiving food stamps through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to the ta...

apnews.com

#NewStudy: In 2022, a nationwide formula shortage affected millions of families in the U.S. New Rudd Center research using national birth certificate data has revealed that this crisis had a lasting impact on breastfeeding initiation rates. Learn more: doi.org/10.1542/peds... #Health #Research 🧪

#NewStudy: Weight teasing occurs across the family system, not just from parents. These experiences are linked to higher levels of binge eating, unhealthy weight control behaviors, and internalized weight bias among adolescents. Learn more: doi.org/10.1093/jpep... #Health #Research #Parenting

Calling all CT school districts! 🔉 We are thrilled to announce that registration for the 2026 WSCC Academy is now open! Join us for a day of FREE professional development focused on strengthening your school health environment! Register: ctwholechild.collaboration.uconn.edu/2026-wscc-ac...

Stigma-related barriers that compromise women’s healthcare experiences can be prevented with patient-centered care, communication, and collaboration. Learn more about creating a compassionate healthcare environment for all women in our new Supportive Obesity Care module: s.uconn.edu/womenshealth...

What do labels that claim a product has "no artificial colors" really mean? The answer is more complicated than you may think. #FoodPolicy #Health

‘No Artificial Colors’ May Not Mean What You Think Under New FDA Policy - Consumer Reports

A change in the FDA's definition of 'No Artificial Colors' on food labels may create confusion for consumers.

consumerreports.org

#NewStudy: In a survey of 6,500+ college students, 36% of respondents were food insecure, while 20% were nutritionally insecure. Rates were significantly higher among students with low income, housing instability, and/or a higher number of dependents. #FoodPolicy 🔗: www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18...