Ultra-processed foods a danger to global public health, experts warn

LONDON - Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are a major public health threat that must be urgently addressed, according to a new series of papers authored by 43 global experts in the Lancet medical journal. 

The scientists, including the Brazilian professor who coined the term with colleagues around 15 years ago, argue that UPFs are now increasingly common worldwide and are linked to a decline in diet quality and

a number of diseases

, from obesity to cancer.

“It’s about the evidence we have today about... ultra-processed foods and human health,” Professor Carlos Monteiro of the University of Sao Paulo said at an online briefing on Nov 18. “What we know right now justifies global public action.” 

Processing and politics

UPFs are a class of foods or drinks

made using processing techniques, additives and industrial ingredients, and mostly containing little whole food. Examples include carbonated soft drinks and instant noodles.

While the term UPF has been used widely in recent years, some scientists, and the food industry, argue that it is too simplistic, and the fight has become increasingly politicised.

The authors acknowledge criticisms in The Lancet series, noting that more evidence is needed, particularly on why and how UPFs cause ill health, as well as on products with different nutritional values within the UPF class. But they say the signal is already strong enough for governments to take action.  

In a systematic review of 104 long-term studies done for the series, 92 reported greater associated risks with one or more chronic diseases linked to UPF dietary patterns, and significant associations for 12 health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, obesity and depression. 

Most of these studies were designed only to show links, rather than direct causality, which the authors acknowledged. But they said the situation needed to be addressed while more data is gathered, not least because consumption of UPFs is rising worldwide as a share of the diet, to above 50 per cent in countries like the US.

The three papers in the series, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, also outline ways to tackle the problem, such as adding UPFs to national policies on foods that are high in fat, sugar or salt. But they cautioned that the UPF industry is the biggest barrier to tackling the issue.

The International Food and Beverage Alliance, an organisation representing major multinational food and beverage companies, said its members also wanted to improve global health outcomes through diet quality, and that food companies should be part of policymaking.

“The policy and advocacy recommendations of this series go far beyond the available evidence,” said secretary-general Rocco Renaldi, arguing there is a risk of reducing the availability of affordable shelf-stable options globally. REUTERS