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Australians Eating Dangerous Chemicals Daily
19 Nov
Summary
- Nearly half of Australian food intake is ultra-processed.
- Processed foods increase chronic disease and chemical exposure.
- Global experts warn of declining dietary health trends.

Australians are consuming a high proportion of ultra-processed foods, with nearly half of their diet falling into this category. This trend is directly linked to increased exposure to harmful chemical cocktails, including PFAS, and a heightened risk of developing chronic diseases. Experts are concerned that this dietary shift, moving away from fresh and minimally processed items, is negatively impacting public health.
The consumption of mass-produced items like bread, processed meats, ready meals, and soft drinks is contributing to this escalating health crisis. Consumers are often unaware of the complex chemical mixtures present in these foods and their potential long-term effects. This situation is a stark contrast to the protective health benefits associated with diets rich in whole foods.
A recent publication in The Lancet, featuring insights from 43 global experts, highlights the worsening dietary patterns observed worldwide. The findings suggest that the health implications of these processed diets are profound, creating a detrimental impact that is the inverse of the well-documented advantages of diets like the Mediterranean eating plan.




