Global Experts Warn Ultra-Processed Foods Pose Rising Health Risks

Ultra-Processed Foods Increasingly Threaten Global Health, Say Experts

International researchers warn that the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is contributing to chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. A global review urges governments to implement policies, including taxes and warnings, to promote healthier diets, while acknowledging further research is needed to establish direct causal links.

Rising Global Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods are industrially manufactured products that contain multiple ingredients not typically found in home kitchens, including preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, and colorings. Common examples include sausages, crisps, pastries, biscuits, instant soups, fizzy drinks, ice cream, and some supermarket breads.

Surveys indicate these foods are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, replacing fresh and minimally processed foods. Experts warn that this dietary shift contributes to poor nutrition, characterized by excessive sugar, unhealthy fats, and insufficient fiber and protein.

Evidence Linking UPFs to Health Risks

A global review published in The Lancet examined 104 long-term studies and involved 43 researchers from multiple countries. The analysis suggests a correlation between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and increased risk of 12 health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, depression, and premature mortality.

Professor Carlos Monteiro of the University of Sao Paulo, who developed the Nova food classification system, stated that UPFs are “reshaping diets worldwide, displacing fresh and minimally processed foods and meals.” He highlighted the influence of multinational corporations, which profit from UPFs and often lobby against public health measures aimed at promoting nutritious diets.

Calls for Stronger Public Health Measures

Co-author Dr Phillip Baker from the University of Sydney emphasized the need for coordinated global action, comparing the approach to successful strategies in combating tobacco-related health harms. Researchers recommend interventions such as public warnings, taxes on UPFs, and investments in healthier food options to mitigate potential health risks.

While the review stops short of establishing definitive causation, it argues that existing evidence is sufficient to justify policy measures to protect public health.

Scientific Debate and Need for Further Research

Some experts caution that the evidence does not prove direct harm from UPFs, noting that dietary patterns are influenced by multiple factors including lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and overall caloric intake. Professor Kevin McConway of the Open University emphasized that correlations observed in studies do not confirm cause-and-effect relationships.

Critics of the Nova classification system also argue that categorizing foods solely by processing level can overlook nutritional benefits. For example, wholegrain bread, certain cereals, low-fat yoghurts, baby formula, and fish fingers are classified as ultra-processed but contain valuable nutrients.

Professor Jules Griffin of the University of Aberdeen stressed the need for further research to understand both the beneficial and adverse effects of food processing on health.

Industry Perspective

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), representing the UK food industry, maintains that ultra-processed foods can be part of a balanced diet. Kate Halliwell, chief scientific officer at the FDF, cited improvements in product formulation, including reductions in sugar and salt by around one-third since 2015. She noted that frozen vegetables and wholemeal bread, while processed, provide important dietary nutrients.

Policy Implications and Global Recommendations

UK authorities, including the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, have expressed concern over high UPF consumption but noted that it remains unclear whether adverse health outcomes are due to processing itself or high levels of sugar, salt, saturated fat, and calories in these foods. Current UK dietary guidance continues to encourage increased intake of fruit, vegetables, and fiber, alongside reductions in sugar, fat, and salt.

Researchers and public health experts argue that governments worldwide must take proactive steps to reduce UPF consumption, including educational campaigns, economic incentives, and regulatory measures, to promote long-term health and prevent chronic disease.