Grain and Oilseed Milling NAICS 3112

Feb 21, 2026 - Millers Oppose Stigmatizing Grain Foods as “Highly” Processed”

• The North American Millers’ Association is pushing back against a petition that asks the Food and Drug Administration to revoke the GRAS status of “processed refined carbohydrates,” including refined flour. NAMA argues removing generally recognized as safe (GRAS) approval would destabilize the food system by jeopardizing the legality of refined flour and other staple grain ingredients that have been safely consumed for generations. For grain millers, the petition represents a significant regulatory risk: it could disrupt production, trigger costly reformulation across the supply chain, and undermine demand for refined grain products. In comments to the FDA, NAMA emphasizes that refined flours are chemically identical whether used commercially or at home, and that enriched grain foods are major sources of essential nutrients, especially for children and pregnant women. NAMA warns that labeling refined grains as “ultra‑processed” could reduce consumption and harm public health.
• Americans' rising reliance on GLP‑1 medications for weight loss is reshaping consumer eating patterns, with implications for grain and oilseed milling companies and manufacturers of ultra‑processed foods, Food Processing reports. Households with a GLP‑1 user cut grocery spending 5.5-6% within six months, and long‑term forecasts suggest reduced consumption of soft drinks, baked goods, and salty snacks. As a result, traditional high‑carb, calorie‑dense processed foods, many of which contain milled grains and refined ingredients, face gradual volume pressure. At the same time, GLP‑1 users are seeking higher‑protein, higher‑fiber, nutrient‑dense foods, creating opportunities for millers to supply functional flours, protein‑rich grains, and fiber‑enhanced ingredients. Ultra‑processed food manufacturers will need to reformulate for satiety, clean labels, and metabolic health, while ingredient suppliers invest in protein innovation and specialized supply chains, per FP.

• A new study suggests ready-to-eat breakfast cereals marketed to children have changed in nutritional value over the last 15 years – but not for the better, EatingWell reports. The study – Nutritional content of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals marketed to children, published in JAMA Open Network – finds that RTE cereals now have more fat, sugar, and sodium, but less protein and fiber. Researchers examined all newly launched RTE cereals marketed to kids in the US between 2010 and 2023. (The study declined launch to include new packaging, new formulas, and completely new products, totaling 1,200 cereals.) The study found on average a 34% increase in total fat, 32% increase in sodium, and an 11% increase in sugar. Meanwhile, protein content declined from 2 grams to 1.7 grams, while dietary fiber fell from almost 4 grams to less than 3 grams. The study did not look at artificial ingredients in kids’ cereals.
• Producer prices for grain and oilseed milling firms fell 1.1% in November compared to a year ago, after falling 3.8% in the previous November-versus-November annual comparison, according to the latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Industry producer prices have trended downward since peaking in mid-2022 when the war in Ukraine roiled the agricultural supply chain, but began rebounding in March 2025. Employment by the industry grew 0.6% year over year in November, while average wages at food manufacturers rose 1.6% YoY in December to a new high of $24.25 per hour, BLS data show. Payroll growth amid declining sales and shipments and weak producer pricing power puts stress on grain and oilseed millers margins.