Council chiefs to call for more research into ultra-processed foods

An alarm has been sounded over the prevalence of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the impact they can have on people's health.

- JACK THOMSON, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

Motion: Councillor Andy Doig

A motion seeking further national research on the link between UPFs and “poor diet” was approved at a full meeting of Renfrewshire Council on Thursday.

Councillor Andy Doig, who represents Johnstone North and the surrounding villages, became interested in the topic after it was recommended he read Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken.

He said at last week's meeting: “The point of this motion is really to raise a red flag and say there's increasing concern among the scientific community and government bodies like the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland about the linkages between ultra-processed food and its effects on health.