Scientist Says 'Ultra-Processed Foods' Need Tobacco-Style Warning Labels

Facts

• Brazilian scientist Carlos Monteiro, who coined the term 'Ultra-Processed Foods' (UPFs) 15 years ago, says that the risk they pose to public health is great enough to warrant a campaign 'like those against tobacco.'¹
• Ahead of his address at this week's International Congress on Obesity, Monteiro said UPFs and tobacco account for 'numerous serious illnesses,' and that both are made by marketing-driven industries selling something addictive and 'pathogenic (dangerous) by design.'²
• Monteiro says the similarities between UPFs and tobacco are so strong that they should be heavily taxed, have advertisements restricted, and be subject to an awareness campaign that could include 'front-of-pack warnings' similar to those on cigarettes.³
• In February, the largest review of UPFs yet linked them to 32 ailments and negative health consequences, including a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and diminished mental health.¹
• UPFs include ready-made meals, soda, ice cream, processed meats, and often contain a higher amount of sugar and fat and a lower amount of nutrients such as fiber.⁴
• UPFs are defined using Monteiro's Nova food classification system, which puts foods in one of four groups based on their nutritional value and preparation methods. Group 1 includes non- and minimally processed foods such as fruit, vegetables, and pasta, while UPFs are included in Group 4.⁴

Sources: ¹Guardian, ²The Telegraph, ³Evening Standard and ⁴Yahoo News.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by Inews.Co.Uk. This hyperbolic statement about UPFs is reductive, inaccurate, and does more harm than good. There is little evidence that UPFs are uniquely evil, as many nutritious shelf-stable foods are classified as ultra-processed. The public can also only absorb so much negative messaging at once, and will eventually tune out of public health warnings. The research maintains that a balanced diet is the most important part of nutrition.
• Narrative B, as provided by Ft. The massive food conglomerates that push UPFs on the public are invested in sowing doubt about the harm their products cause. There's a growing mountain of evidence that shows the clear link between UPFs and negative health outcomes. The fight against UPFs is complicated by the extensive lobbying and financial power of the food industry, which is fighting tooth and nail to obfuscate its role in a public health crisis.

Predictions