Kentucky legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Kentucky HR118: A RESOLUTION urging federal policymakers to adopt a uniform definition of "ultra-processed food."
Status: In committee, March 9, 2026
Urge federal policymakers to adopt a uniform definition of "ultra-processed food of concern" and "ultra-processed food."
What the bill says
A resolution urging federal policymakers to adopt a uniform definition of "ultra-processed food.".
From the introduced text:
A RESOLUTION urging federal policymakers to adopt a uniform definition of "ultra-processed food." WHEREAS, the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky recognizes that the health of Kentuckians directly affects workforce participation, educational outcomes, military readiness, and the long-term fiscal stability of state and federal programs; and WHEREAS, Kentucky consistently experiences higher-than-national-average rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other diet-related chronic conditions, which contribute to increased Medicaid expenditures, reduced productivity, and strain on rural and urban health care systems alike; and WHEREAS, the American food system has evolved over recent decades to include a growing share of foods manufactured using complex industrial processes, additives, and formulations not traditionally used in home or commercial kitchens; and WHEREAS, foods commonly described in scientific literature as "ultra-processed" now constitute a substantial portion of caloric intake in the United States, including among children and working-age adults in the Commonwealth of Kentucky; and WHEREAS, numerous peer-reviewed studies have identified correlations between high consumption of such foods and adverse health outcomes, while also acknowledging the need for consistent terminology to ensure reliable research, sound policymaking, and clear communication to the public; and WHEREAS, the lack of a uniform, federally recognized definition of "ultraprocessed food" has resulted in inconsistent usage across federal agencies, academic research, dietary guidelines, and regulatory discussions, creating uncertainty for consumers, producers, and …
Sponsors
- Daniel Fister (R, HD-056) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : to Committee on Committees (H)
- : introduced in House
Subjects: Federal Laws And Regulations, Foods And Beverages, Agriculture
Common questions
- What is HR118?
- HR118 is a bill in the Kentucky Legislature (2026 Regular Session): A RESOLUTION urging federal policymakers to adopt a uniform definition of "ultra-processed food.".
- What does HR118 do?
- In its own words: A resolution urging federal policymakers to adopt a uniform definition of "ultra-processed food.".
- What is the status of HR118?
- In committee as of March 9, 2026. Latest action: to Committee on Committees (H) (March 9, 2026).
- Who sponsored HR118?
- Daniel Fister (R, HD-056).
- Where is the official record for HR118?
- On the Kentucky Legislature website: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/hr118.html
Source: official Kentucky record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.