Exclusive: Free-market groups push back on processed food definition

Driving the news: Sixteen organizations focused on promoting consumer rights and limiting regulation argue that creating a new classification for ultra-processed food would make groceries less affordable due to the costs of reformulating and packaging products.

• They're urging White House budget director Russell Vought to block the creation of a federal definition.

• Groups signed onto the message include the Independent Women, the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council and Consumer Action for a Strong Economy — which receives funding from the Consumer Brands Association.

Catch up quick: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced earlier this month that the administration has submitted a white paper with the first proposed federal definition of ultra-processed foods to the White House for review.

The organizations say science doesn't support a blanket definition, and that creating a federal standard would confuse consumers and expose businesses to additional lawsuits.

• It would "pit the government against food manufacturers, retailers, farmers, and their hundreds of millions of consumers, who are grappling with a growing patchwork of different labeling and ingredient mandates at the state level," the letter reads.

What we're watching: Policymakers have scheduled meetings with interest groups on the proposed definition through at least mid-September.