A new Series published in The Lancet warns that the growing dominance of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in global diets has become a major public health concern. Forty-three experts contributed to the three papers, outlining how UPF manufacturers shape eating habits, influence policy debates, and limit efforts to protect consumers.
UPFs are industrially formulated products made from low-cost ingredients such as refined oils, protein isolates and sweeteners, often combined with colourings, flavourings and other additives. According to the authors, these products increasingly replace traditional meals and fresh foods, leading to poorer diet quality and higher risks of chronic disease.
Rising consumption and growing health concerns
The first paper reviews evidence collected since the Nova classification was introduced in 2009. Research consistently shows that diets high in UPFs are linked to overeating, excess sugar and fat intake, and lower fibre and protein levels. A systematic review of 104 long-term studies found associations with 12 health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression and premature death.
National data also indicate a steep rise in UPF intake. In Spain and China, UPFs now provide up to a third of daily energy. In the USA and UK, levels have stayed above 50% for two decades.
Although debates continue about how UPFs should be defined, the authors stress that uncertainty should not delay public health action.
Policy proposals: labelling, marketing limits and better access to fresh food
The second paper outlines measures to curb UPF consumption and hold companies accountable.
Recommendations include:
- Adding UPF indicators — such as artificial sweeteners, colours and flavourings — to front-of-pack labels
- Restricting marketing, especially to children and through digital channels
- Removing UPFs from schools, hospitals and other public institutions
- Limiting supermarket shelf space for UPFs
- Introducing taxes on selected products to support subsidies for healthier foods
Brazil’s school feeding reforms are highlighted as a positive example: by 2026, 90% of school meals must be fresh or minimally processed.
Corporate influence shaping global diets
The third paper examines how global food corporations drive UPF consumption. UPFs now generate nearly $2 trillion in annual sales, making them the sector’s most profitable category. The authors describe extensive corporate strategies to influence policy, challenge scientific findings, and delay regulation — from lobbying and funding interest groups to political donations and litigation.
Call for coordinated global action
The experts argue that reducing UPF consumption requires a unified international response, similar to past efforts against tobacco industry tactics. They call for stronger protection of public policy from commercial interests, support for local food systems, and measures that make nutritious, minimally processed foods easier to access and afford.
The Series concludes that reshaping global food environments is possible if governments strengthen regulation and communities mobilise around healthier, more sustainable eating patterns.
03.12.2025.
SOURCE
The Lancet. “Global surge in ultra-processed foods sparks urgent health warning.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 24 November 2025. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124025654.htm>.
