GRAS works exactly as intended. That’s the problem. The framework was originally created to evaluate isolated, time-tested substances – salt, vinegar, basil – not modern industrial formulations made from dozens of interacting components. From an engineering standpoint, GRAS tests ingredients one at a time. And ultra-processed food behaves as a combined system. Those are not […]
When food is engineered for consumption velocity (Bliss Point) rather than nutrition, choice becomes an illusion. UPF In the News Metabolic Damage Hiding in Plain Sight New research from USC confirms that young adults face hidden metabolic damage and prediabetes risks even when caloric intake appears balanced, driven specifically by processing intensity. While policy discussions […]
Scientific gray areas can slow policy, but they don’t have to paralyze products. Processing transparency is a lever companies can control today. In the News Mechanisms Matter: Probing UPF Overeating Pathways A January 2026 feature with former NIH researcher Kevin Hall details how emerging trials and mechanism work are starting to explain why ultra-processed foods […]
Food Has Become Measurable Most people think the San Francisco Ultra-Processed Food lawsuit is about food. It isn’t. It exists because food has become measurable. For decades, harm from ultra-processed foods lived in a gray zone. Ingredients were evaluated one at a time. Labels disclosed fragments. Health outcomes were dismissed as “multifactorial.” Responsibility was pushed […]
San Francisco UPF Lawsuit: Blog #4: The 4 Hurdles to Prove Now that we’ve established that the San Francisco lawsuit is a Public Nuisance case – the same “blueprint” that brought down Big Tobacco – the next question is… What Does the City Have to Prove in Court to Win the UPF Case? To win […]
In the News UK Survey: Over a Third Want UPFs Banned A January 2026 UK survey of 2,000 adults finds that over a third want ultra‑processed foods banned, 77% want clear warning labels on UPFs, and three‑quarters believe children should be taught about UPF risks and home cooking in school. Source Policy timelines move slowly, […]
In the News Childhood Diabetes Bill Targets UPF Labels The bipartisan Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act would require front-of-pack warning labels on ultra-processed foods and other products high in saturated fat, sugar, or salt, and urge experts to formally define UPFs. Source Daily Insight States Aren’t Waiting Anymore “This unprecedented state action reflects growing concern about […]
The Bi-Partisan UPF Labeling Bill: Equal Parts Hope for the Consumer and ‘Oh Sh*t’ for the Food Industry Something interesting happened this week, and you could almost feel it ripple through the food industry. A bipartisan bill surfaced that would require warning labels on ultra-processed foods, particularly those marketed to kids. Bipartisan. In 2026. About […]
San Francisco UPF Lawsuit: Blog #3: Public Nuisance If you want to understand why ten of the world’s largest food conglomerates and other food entities are suddenly sweating in a San Francisco courtroom, you have to stop thinking about “Product Liability” and start thinking about “Public Nuisance”. This isn’t a case about a single bad […]
In the News Cardiology Study Flags UPF Burden Across Multiple Diseases A recent analysis by the American College of Cardiology highlighted that each additional 100 g per day of ultra-processed food was associated with higher risks of hypertension, cardiovascular events, digestive diseases, cancer, and all-cause mortality. The study found evidence that an additional 100 g/day […]
