There’s been growing concern about ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their impact on health.
However, experts warn that rushing to tell people to avoid all UPFs could do more harm than good, especially for those who are already struggling to afford healthy meals.
Professors Alexandra Johnstone from the University of Aberdeen and Eric Robinson from the University of Liverpool highlight these concerns in a recent article, published in PLOS Medicine.
UPFs are foods that undergo extensive processing, often containing added sugars, fats, or preservatives.
They make up a large part of the diets in many countries, including the U.K., and have been linked to poor health in several observational studies.
However, Johnstone and Robinson argue that we still don’t fully understand how UPFs affect health, and advising everyone to avoid them could backfire.
One of the main concerns they raise is the risk of pushing people towards less nutritious alternatives.
Some foods not classified as ultra-processed may still be high in fat, sugar, or salt, which are known to be harmful in large amounts.
The professors stress that official public advice should continue to focus on limiting foods that are high in these unhealthy ingredients, rather than all UPFs.
Another major issue is the potential social cost. Many people rely on ultra-processed foods because they are affordable and convenient, especially those facing food poverty. If public health advice suddenly warns against UPFs, it could create extra stress for people who already have limited options.
Those with eating disorders or health anxiety could also be negatively impacted, as avoiding these foods may feel overwhelming in difficult circumstances.
The article concludes that, based on current evidence, it’s not appropriate to tell consumers to avoid all UPFs. More research is needed to understand exactly how food processing impacts health. For now, the focus should remain on reducing the intake of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, which we know are harmful.
Professor Johnstone emphasized that while it’s important to explore the link between UPFs and health, we must ensure that vulnerable groups are not put in a worse position. “We must guard against the possibility that the people in our society who are already most at risk of not being able to afford to eat healthily are not put in an even worse position,” she said.
Professor Robinson added that while some UPFs should be avoided, not all ultra-processed foods are bad. He cautioned against giving overly simplified advice that could mislead the public. Instead, policymakers should carefully consider the evidence and avoid rushing into conclusions that could hurt those most in need.
In summary, while there is increasing pressure to warn people about UPFs, experts say we must proceed carefully. More research is needed before issuing blanket warnings, and public health advice should continue to focus on reducing harmful ingredients like fat, salt, and sugar.
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Source: University of Aberdeen.
