By Jeanne Yacoubou, MS
The Non-GMO Venture, a nonprofit that launched a non-GMO certification in 2007, has introduced its newest challenge on ultra-processed meals (UPF): a non-UPF label based mostly on their verification commonplace.
Regardless of there being no authorized definition of the time period, ultra-processed meals (UPFs) are usually thought of to be meals and drinks containing extremely modified substances processed industrially in addition to preservatives and components similar to bleaching brokers and synthetic colours.
The ultimate report of the 2025-2030 Dietary Pointers Advisory Committee doesn’t embrace steering on them. They consider there’s “inconclusive proof” on potential well being impacts from their consumption.
In contrast, a latest evaluation article of 43 research concluded UPFs are related to destructive well being outcomes – particularly in youngsters and adolescents – together with weight problems, most cancers, type-2 diabetes, bronchial asthma, cardiovascular illnesses, irritable bowel syndrome, and melancholy. In mild of those associations, many individuals discuss with UPFs as “unhealthy.”
In keeping with a Non-GMO Venture press launch, over 50% of energy consumed in industrialized nations are from UPFs although 85% of customers want to keep away from them. “Even essentially the most knowledgeable shoppers battle to determine ultra-processed meals constantly,” Megan Westgate, Founder and CEO of the Non-GMO Venture, commented.
An instance of a UPF in accordance with Westgate is white bread as in comparison with an entire grain bread. As Westgate acknowledged in a Meals Navigator interview, white bread consists of “a group of international substances” unrecognizable to the physique as pure meals.
Pilot manufacturers carrying the Non-UPF label was showcased on the March 2025 Pure Merchandise Expo West tradeshow with extra model rollouts coming in Fall 2025.
NOVA within the Non-UPF Verification Customary
The last word aim of the Non-UPF Verification program is to offer steering to shoppers and to meals corporations manufacturing UPFs. The Non-GMO Venture makes use of the NOVA classification scheme to perform these objectives, encouraging meals corporations to make use of as little industrial processing as doable. Westgate famous: “In the present day’s ultra-processed meals symbolize an excellent deeper departure [from natural ingredients] – taking acquainted substances and remodeling them so basically that our our bodies not acknowledge them as meals.”
In a Meals Navigator article, Westgate indicated that they’d permit a small share of microingredients (similar to emulsifiers) much like USDA Natural and Non-GMO Label requirements in merchandise carrying their Non-UPF label.
NOVA (a reputation, not an acronym) classifies 4 forms of meals processing based mostly on the extent and kind of commercial processing:
- Unprocessed or minimally processed meals (MPFs), together with edible components of crops, animals, or fungi or pure meals altered minimally and solely to protect them or make them extra palatable; dwelling cooking falls on this class
- Processed culinary substances (PCIs), similar to fat, oils, sugars, and starches derived from MPFs or from nature (e.g., salt) used to season MPFs, however not supposed for consumption on their very own
- Processed meals (PFs), that are industrially produced by including PCIs to MPFs (examples embrace canned greens in brine or fruit in syrup).
- UPFs are “formulations of substances, principally of unique industrial use, that outcome from a sequence of commercial processes (ultra-processed), many requiring subtle tools and expertise.” Examples embrace candy and savory snacks or deli meats. Substances generally utilized in UPFs embrace sugar, protein and oil derivatives (high-fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, protein isolates, hydrogenated oil) and varied components (synthetic colours, flavors, taste enhancers, emulsifiers, thickeners, and synthetic sweeteners).
The Non-GMO Venture responds to the VRG
In January 2025, The Vegetarian Useful resource Group reached out to the Non-GMO Venture to search out out extra particulars on the Non-UPF label. Right here’s our change:
How are you defining UPF?
Ultraprocessing sometimes includes breaking meals down into remoted parts, then recombining them with industrial substances to create extremely worthwhile merchandise engineered to set off cravings and override pure satiety alerts.
What does the usual appear like?
Our new Non-UPF Verified program will construct clear requirements via:
- A pilot program partaking manufacturers, retailers, well being and science practitioners
- Consideration of established frameworks like NOVA, retail shopping for insurance policies, suggestions from advisory committees, and ongoing analysis.
- Periodic updates to the Customary supported by public and business feedback
- Clear necessities round banned substances and processes
This methodical, inclusive strategy is how we’ve constructed our Non-GMO Verified Customary and alerts our dedication to creating certifications that convey actual worth to folks whereas being achievable for producers and serving to to innovate programs change. This balanced course of goals to assist shoppers make knowledgeable decisions throughout the whole meals spectrum.
Is tempeh, tofu, and/or soymilk categorised as “ultraprocessed meals”?
Whereas we’re orienting to NOVA, since that’s the idea for many present analysis, we need to add extra nuance, particularly to NOVA Group 4, and discover a workable stability of meaningfulness and achievability that will not robotically exclude issues like tempeh, tofu, and/or plant-based milks.
Be aware from the editor: The VRG recommends an entire meals weight loss plan filled with all kinds of greens, complete grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fruits. We applaud efforts for transparency and clear labeling. The VRG doesn’t take into account tofu, tempeh, soymilk, and different non-dairy drinks to be UPFs. There must be extra nuance than within the NOVA requirements. For instance, The American Society for Preventive Cardiology has proposed a brand new class of “neatly processed” meals which incorporates fortified plant milks and plant protein-based meat and egg substitutes. They describe these meals as low in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and ldl cholesterol and state that these meals can add vitamin worth.
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