Health experts disagree over whether blanket bans on ultra-processed foods are justified due to potential social harms and limited evidence linking them directly to poor health outcomes. Instead, they advocate for a balanced public health strategy focusing on reducing known dietary risks.
Professor Alexandra Johnstone and Eric Robinson suggest that premature warnings about ultra-processed foods may harm people facing food poverty and worsen mental health issues related to eating disorders. They argue that the focus of official advice should remain on avoiding high-fat, sugar, and salt content instead of issuing formal warnings against all ultra-processed foods.
The researchers emphasize the need for more mechanistic research in humans to understand the effects of nutrient profile and ultra-processing. They also highlight the importance of regulating the food industry to reduce advertisement, availability, and dominance of unhealthy foods on national diets.
The UK’s Food Standards Agency has yet to issue specific guidance on ultra-processed foods due to ongoing research and uncertainty about their health impacts. Critics argue that the agency’s stance is “shadowy” and that more independent scientific research is needed to address concerns surrounding ultra-processed foods.
Ultimately, experts recommend a nuanced approach to addressing the risks associated with ultra-processed foods, taking into account both social and health considerations.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/ultra-processed-foods-under-fire-are-we-missing-the-bigger-picture