Ultra-processed foods debate on the menu

Renfrewshire councillors are set to debate the issue of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the impact they can have on people's health today.

- JACK THOMSON, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

Raising issue Councillor Andy Doig will present motion at meeting next week

A motion seeking further national research on the link between UPFs and “poor diet” will be considered at full council.

Councillor Andy Doig, who represents Johnstone North and the surrounding villages, said his “interest” in the topic came about after it was recommended he read Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken.

The politician said: “I think this is an international health crisis. This is why we have rising rates of obesity throughout the developed world because a lot of the foods we eat have chemicals in them that actually make you overeat.

“There are a few brave scientists that have tried to raise the flag about this but, at the end of the day, these food companies are very powerful.”