The global rise in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) represents an urgent public health challenge that requires coordinated policy and advocacy action, according to a new three-paper Series authored by 43 global experts and published in The Lancet. The Series highlights the strategies used by UPF manufacturers to drive consumption and obstruct effective regulation, while outlining a roadmap for meaningful government intervention, community mobilisation, and greater access to affordable, healthier diets.
Rising consumption of ultra-processed foods is reshaping diets worldwide, displacing fresh and minimally processed foods. This shift is driven by powerful corporations that prioritise profit, supported by extensive marketing and political lobbying designed to block public health policies that encourage healthy eating.
Governments must implement bold, coordinated action, from integrating UPF markers into front-of-pack labels to restricting marketing and introducing taxes that can help fund access to nutritious, affordable foods.
A robust global public health response, similar to efforts taken against the tobacco industry, is essential. This includes protecting policy spaces from lobbying and building strong coalitions to advocate for fair, healthy, and sustainable food systems.
UPFs, as defined by the Nova classification, are branded industrial products made from cheap ingredients such as hydrogenated oils, protein isolates, glucose or fructose syrups, and cosmetic additives including colours, sweeteners, and emulsifiers. Designed to replace fresh foods and traditional meals, they maximise corporate profit.
The Series reviews scientific evidence developed since Nova was introduced in 2009, showing consistent links between UPF consumption, worsening diet quality, and increased risk of multiple chronic diseases. National surveys indicate rapidly rising UPF intake: in the past three decades, UPFs' share of dietary energy has tripled in Spain (11% to 32%) and China (4% to 10%) and risen significantly in Mexico and Brazil (10% to 23%) over four decades. In the UK and USA, levels remain above 50%.
A systematic review of 104 long-term studies found 92 reported increased risks for at least one chronic condition, with meta-analyses showing significant associations across 12 health outcomes, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and all-cause mortality.
While the Series acknowledges legitimate scientific debates, such as differences in nutritional profiles among UPFs and limited long-term trials, it argues that these uncertainties must not delay necessary public health action.
The growing research base shows that diets high in UPFs harm health globally and warrant an immediate policy response.
The second paper in the Series outlines coordinated measures to regulate UPF production, marketing, and availability, complementing existing policies targeting high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) foods. Inclusion of UPF markers, such as artificial colours, flavours, and sweeteners, on front-of-pack labels can help prevent unhealthy ingredient substitutions and strengthen regulation.
The authors call for stronger marketing restrictions, especially for digital platforms and child-directed advertising, as well as banning UPFs in public institutions, and limiting shelf space in supermarkets. They cite Brazil's national school feeding programme, which has already eliminated most UPFs and aims to source 90% of food from fresh or minimally processed items by 2026. Taxing selected UPFs could help fund subsidies that make fresh foods more accessible to low-income households.
Policies must be tailored to each country's context. There is also a need for convenient, affordable, healthy options to support busy families and individuals.
The third paper demonstrates that global corporations, rather than individual choices, are driving increased UPF consumption. With $1.9 trillion in annual sales and more than half of all shareholder payouts among food companies since 1962, UPFs constitute the most profitable food sector.
The Series documents how UPF corporations use political lobbying, coordinated interest groups, donations, litigation, and influence over scientific debate to delay or weaken regulation.
Powerful corporations are behind the global rise in UPFs. Though they often present themselves as part of the solution, their actions consistently prioritise profit over public health.
The authors call for a unified global public health movement to reduce corporate interference, sever industry ties with health organisations, and build a global advocacy network. As with the tobacco industry, a bold, coordinated international response is essential to counter the disproportionate power of UPF corporations.
Ultimately, the Series argues for reimagined food systems that support diverse local producers, preserve cultural food traditions, promote gender equity, and ensure communities, not shareholders, benefit from food production.
UPFs dominate food environments, fuelling obesity, diabetes, and mental ill-health. This Series shows a different path is possible, one where strong regulation, community action, and accessible healthy diets create better outcomes for all.
Source: The Lancet
Image Credit: iStock
