The federal government delayed releasing a standardized definition of ultraprocessed foods, sending it to the Office of Management and Budget for review. This move stalls potential regulations on items like ice cream and soda, which are linked to Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The delay is viewed as a significant victory for the food industry, hindering Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again movement.

Bloomberg News reported that major food executives argued the definition would confuse customers and raise grocery costs. The Consumer Brands Association stated confidence the definition would not proceed once the president sees its impact on affordability. This mirrors last year’s USDA withdrawal of stricter salmonella rules for poultry after meat industry groups claimed they would increase prices.

This tension highlights the clash between Mr. Kennedy’s agenda and President Trump’s deregulation stance. Despite promises to release the definition for policies like front-of-package labeling, staffing cuts at the FDA and USDA hinder progress. The industry has spent $1.15 billion on lobbying since 2010 and filed 239 lawsuits globally against junk food restrictions, creating a chilling effect on policymakers.