A group of international health experts has issued a strong warning about the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), calling them a growing threat to global health. The warning comes from a major global review published in The Lancet, which analyzed more than 100 long-term studies on the impact of UPFs.
Researchers say the global shift from traditional, minimally processed meals to cheap, industrially processed foods is contributing to a surge in chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression, heart disease, kidney disorders, and premature death.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
UPFs are industrial products containing multiple additives and ingredients not normally used in home cooking, such as:
- preservatives
- emulsifiers
- artificial colors
- flavor enhancers
- sweeteners
Common examples include:
- packaged bread
- sugary drinks
- instant noodles
- crisps and pastries
- sausages
- biscuits and ice cream
- frozen ready meals
According to the Nova food classification, these are considered the most highly processed foods available — and their consumption is rapidly rising worldwide.
Study Links UPFs to 12 Major Health Conditions
The review — led by 43 global researchers — connected higher UPF intake to increased risk of 12 chronic diseases, including:
- cardiovascular disease
- type 2 diabetes
- digestive and kidney disorders
- depression
- early mortality
Study author Prof Carlos Monteiro said industrially processed products are “reshaping diets worldwide” and replacing nutritious, home-cooked foods. He accused major food corporations of prioritizing profit and using aggressive marketing to maintain their dominance.
His co-author Dr Phillip Baker called for a global public health response similar to anti-tobacco efforts, including tighter regulations, warning labels, and higher taxes on unhealthy processed foods.
Not All Experts Agree
While the findings are concerning, some scientists say the review cannot prove cause and effect.
Critics argue:
- UPF-heavy diets often overlap with other lifestyle factors (sedentary behavior, low income, limited access to healthy foods).
- The Nova classification focuses on degree of processing, not nutritional value.
- Some UPFs — like wholegrain bread, baby formula, low-fat yogurt, and breakfast cereals — still offer important nutrients.
Prof Kevin McConway of the Open University said the research shows correlation, not certainty:
“There is room for doubt. Some UPFs may increase disease risk — but this does not mean all UPFs are harmful.”
Why Might UPFs Harm Health?
Researchers still don’t have a single explanation, but early theories include:
- high levels of salt, sugar, and saturated fat
- chemical additives that may affect the gut and immune system
- low fibre and nutrient density
- ultra-palatable foods that encourage overeating
- chronic inflammation triggered by additives and preservatives
Industry Response
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) argues that UPFs can still be part of a balanced diet, citing examples like frozen vegetables and wholemeal bread.
The industry says it has already reduced sugar and salt in foods by nearly one-third since 2015.
🇬🇧 Current Dietary Advice
The UK’s nutrition advisory committee has acknowledged the link between UPFs and poor health outcomes as “concerning,” but says it remains unclear whether processing itself is the main culprit — or simply the high-calorie, high-sugar nature of many UPF products.
For now, public health guidance remains unchanged:
- eat more fruits and vegetables
- increase fibre intake
- limit salt, sugar, and saturated fat
