Experts Demand Action on Ultra-Processed Foods

A worldwide coalition of 43 public health experts has published a series of papers in The Lancet, advocating for stringent government policies to combat the proliferation of ultra-processed foods. These foods, which constitute over half of daily calorie intake in countries like the U.S. and Britain, are increasingly linked to severe health issues, including Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

The experts highlight a significant increase in global ultra-processed food sales, reaching $1.9 trillion in 2023, with eight major companies dominating the market. They propose measures akin to those used to reduce smoking rates, such as implementing taxes on sugary beverages, mandating warning labels, restricting marketing to children, and reducing their presence in school meals.

While the food industry expresses concerns about limiting access to affordable options, evidence from countries like Chile suggests that regulations can prompt companies to reformulate products. The authors stress that immediate action is necessary, as ultra-processed foods have become an almost unavoidable aspect of the modern food supply, impacting global health trajectories.