The Nutrition Regulatory Science Program

FDA and NIH New Partnership: The Nutrition Regulatory Science Program

In May 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a new interagency collaboration: the Nutrition Regulatory Science Program. This initiative seeks to generate high-quality, policy-relevant research on the health impacts of dietary components, food processing methods, and nutrition exposures across the lifespan. 


The program has immediate relevance for food manufacturers. It signals a shift toward evidence-based regulation, particularly in areas such as nutrition labeling, the use of food additives, and the role of ultra-processed foods in chronic disease. As the research generated by this initiative informs future guidance and policy decisions, manufacturers will be expected to align product development and marketing strategies with emerging scientific evidence. 


Understanding the FDA-NIH Nutrition Regulatory Science Program 

The Nutrition Regulatory Science Program is modeled after the Tobacco Regulatory Science Program, which played a pivotal role in shaping FDA tobacco regulation by generating focused, actionable research. Similarly, this new nutrition-focused initiative will leverage NIH’s research infrastructure and the FDA’s regulatory authority to explore:

  • The health effects of ultra-processed foods 
  • The metabolic and physiological impacts of food additives 
  • Nutritional exposures during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood 
  • Dietary risk factors contributing to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease 


Unlike conventional academic studies, the outputs of this program are intended to directly inform FDA policy decisions, including updates to nutrition labeling, food formulation standards, and front-of-package labeling frameworks. 


Why It Matters to Food Manufacturers 

While the announcement wasn’t framed around compliance or enforcement, it’s clear that this initiative is laying the groundwork for changes in food regulations, especially in how nutrition information is communicated to the public. Here are a few reasons manufacturers should pay close attention:

  • Evidence-Based Labeling Standards 

Research findings may lead to revisions in how nutritional information is presented on packaging. The FDA is expected to refine front-of-package nutrition labeling to improve consumer understanding and drive healthier dietary choices. 

  • Scrutiny of Ultra-Processed Foods 

Ultra-processed foods are a central focus of the program. If research supports links between processing methods and adverse health outcomes, regulatory changes may influence allowable ingredients, required disclosures, or marketing practices. 

  • Assessment of Food Additives 

Many food additives previously considered safe may undergo renewed evaluation in the context of metabolic health. This could affect the regulatory status of emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, flavor enhancers, and other common additives. 

  • Focus on Maternal and Infant Nutrition 

Early-life nutritional exposures are critical determinants of long-term health. Manufacturers of infant formula, baby foods, and prenatal products should monitor this research closely, as it may lead to changes in labeling requirements or ingredient restrictions. 

 

Strategic Recommendations for Manufacturers 

To proactively respond to this evolving regulatory landscape, food companies should consider the following strategies: 

  • Monitor Research Outputs 
    Track studies and findings released under the Nutrition Regulatory Science Program. Prioritize internal reviews of products or claims that could be impacted by emerging evidence. 
  • Conduct Additive Risk Assessments 
    Evaluate current formulations for ingredients that may draw regulatory attention, including synthetic additives, preservatives, and novel processing agents. 
  • Strengthen Scientific Substantiation for Claims 
    Ensure that any nutrition-related claims are supported by credible scientific data. This is especially important for functional foods and products marketed for specific health outcomes. 
  • Engage with Regulatory and Scientific Communities 
    Participate in public comment periods, FDA stakeholder meetings, and scientific workshops. Sharing data and perspectives during the early stages of policy formation may influence outcomes and promote industry transparency. 


Anticipated Timeline and Policy Trajectory 

While policy changes will not occur immediately, the foundation laid by this program is expected to influence federal guidance and rulemaking within the next two to five years. Based on precedents set by tobacco regulation, a gradual but firm regulatory shift in nutrition labeling, additive evaluation, and food composition standards are likely. 


As government agencies prioritize chronic disease prevention through nutrition policy, food manufacturers should anticipate a more data-driven, science-informed regulatory environment. 


Looking Ahead 

This new FDA-NIH partnership reflects a broader trend: regulation is increasingly driven by evidence, not just politics or precedent. For food manufacturers, that means paying closer attention to what the science says—and being ready to act on it. At RL Labs, we’ll continue monitoring developments in food science, nutrition labeling, and regulatory trends that shape how our industry operates.

  


For more information, you can read the announcements from the FDA and NIH:


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