Overview
- The authors recommend taxes and advertising bans on ultra-processed foods and propose integrating them into national rules targeting products high in fat, sugar or salt.
- The commissioned review found 92 of 104 long-term studies reported higher associated risks, with significant links for conditions including Type 2 diabetes, obesity and depression.
- UPFs account for more than half of typical diets in the United States and the United Kingdom, while shares remain below a quarter in countries such as Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal and across much of Asia.
- Industry groups dispute the scope of the proposals, with the International Food and Beverage Alliance saying the recommendations exceed the evidence and could limit affordable, shelf-stable options.
- The series argues that reliance on consumer responsibility and voluntary reformulation has left structural drivers unaddressed and calls the UPF industry a key barrier to change.