Ultra-processed foods: A global threat to public health

A revolution in food science and modern grocery retailing over the last 60 years has led to explosive growth in manufacturing and consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs).1,2 This shift began in high-income countries but has now reached countries at all income levels.2-5 UPFs are a substantial factor affecting worldwide increases in the prevalence and incidence of obesity and other diet-related, non-communicable diseases.6-9 UPFs’ poor nutritional profiles, hyper-palatability (and, arguably, addictive nature10-12), and content of biologically harmful compounds all wreak havoc on health. Policy interventions are needed to curb rising UPF consumption and in turn, combat associated negative health outcomes and premature mortality