Panel: Clean Label Versus Ultra-Processed Foods: Science, Semantics, and Consumer Trust

The debate around ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is reshaping consumer perception and policy discussions in the US and around the world. This session explores how clean label claims intersect with processing realities, nutrition science, and consumer understanding. Speakers will unpack where science aligns or conflicts with perception and how brands can communicate responsibly. The discussion will address regulatory scrutiny, agreed-upon definitions of UPFs, and the risk of oversimplified narratives.