More than 80 nutrition researchers are demanding that the White House publish the federal government's proposed definition of ultra-processed foods, a document whose announcement was canceled in August. The cancellation came after major food companies applied pressure. The Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, which is led by cardiologist Dariush Mozaffarian, plans to meet with the Office of Management and Budget on Friday to formally present the petition. Mozaffarian, who spoke at the Department of Health and Human Services event where the definition was originally set to be unveiled, stated that HHS intends to release the definition before the upcoming midterm elections. He argued that fulfilling this promise would serve as a tangible victory for the administration ahead of the vote, aligning with the Make America Healthy Again movement that he said attracted many independent and swing voters. However, the release faces opposition from the Consumer Brands Association, a food industry trade group. The association has claimed that adopting a proposed definition would lead to higher food prices. Mozaffarian dismissed this argument as absurd and false, yet he acknowledged that such industry concerns could make the White House hesitant to act with elections approaching.