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. 2012 Jul 1;3(4):536-48.
doi: 10.3945/an.111.000901.

Is "processed" a four-letter word? The role of processed foods in achieving dietary guidelines and nutrient recommendations

Johanna T Dwyer  1 , Victor L Fulgoni 3rd, Roger A Clemens, David B Schmidt, Marjorie R Freedman
Affiliations

Is "processed" a four-letter word? The role of processed foods in achieving dietary guidelines and nutrient recommendations

Johanna T Dwyer et al. Adv Nutr. .

Abstract

This paper, based on the symposium "Is 'Processed' a Four-Letter Word? The Role of Processed Foods in Achieving Dietary Guidelines and Nutrient Recommendations in the U.S." describes ongoing efforts and challenges at the nutrition-food science interface and public health; addresses misinformation about processed foods by showing that processed fruits and vegetables made important dietary contributions (e.g., fiber, folate, potassium, vitamins A and C) to nutrient intake among NHANES 2003-2006 participants, that major sources of vitamins (except vitamin K) were provided by enrichment and fortification and that enrichment and fortification helped decrease the percentage of the population below the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin A, thiamin, folate, and iron; describes how negative consumer perceptions and consumer confusion about processed foods led to the development of science-based information on food processing and technology that aligns with health objectives; and examines challenges and opportunities faced by food scientists who must balance consumer preferences, federal regulations, and issues surrounding food safety, cost, unintended consequences, and sustainability when developing healthful foods that align with dietary guidelines.

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Conflict of interest statement

Author disclosures: J. T. Dwyer, trustee of ILSI North America; a member of the Scientific Advisory Boards of ConAgra Foods, The McCormick Science Institute, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) and Bay State Milling Company; V. L. Fulgoni III, R. A. Clemens, D.B. Schmidt, M. R. Freedman, no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Contribution of fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruits and vegetables to daily nutrient intake.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Percentage of the population with vitamin and mineral intakes below the estimated average requirement (EAR) for individuals aged 2 y or older (data from NHANES 2003–22006; N = 16,110). E+F, enrichment and fortification. Reproduced from Reference with permission.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Foods and ingredients consumers plan to increase or decrease over the next 6 mo.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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