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

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.

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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.”

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.