Ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are displacing healthy diets globally, posing significant health risks. These products should have tobacco-style warning labels, according to nutrition scientist Carlos Monteiro, who first coined the term in 2009.
Andrew Gregory reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- UPFs contribute to rising rates of obesity and chronic diseases worldwide.
- Monteiro calls for public health campaigns, bans on UPF advertising and heavy taxation on these foods.
- He compares the tactics of UPF producers to those of tobacco companies, highlighting their focus on profit over health.
Key quote:
"Advertisements for UPFs should also be banned or heavily restricted, and front-of-pack warnings should be introduced similar to those used for cigarette packs."
— Prof. Carlos Monteiro, University of São Paulo.
Why this matters:
Ultra-processed foods, which often include items like sugary snacks, sodas and pre-packaged meals, are engineered for convenience and taste but are typically low in nutritional value. The widespread consumption of UPFs has been linked to a range of severe health consequences, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
