• A major three-paper Series in The Lancet finds that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are rapidly replacing fresh and minimally processed meals around the world. The evidence links rising UPF intake to poorer diet quality and higher risks of multiple chronic diseases.
• The authors explain that although more research on UPFs will continue to be valuable, the current science is already strong enough to justify immediate public health action. Waiting for further studies would allow UPFs to gain an even stronger hold in global diets.
• The Series stresses that improving diets cannot fall solely on individual behavior. Real progress requires coordinated policies that limit UPF production, marketing, and availability, while also addressing high levels of fat, sugar, and salt in the food supply and expanding access to healthy food.
• The authors describe UPFs as products of an industrial food system built around corporate profit rather than nutrition or sustainability. They warn that only a united international response can counter the political influence of UPF companies, which remains the biggest obstacle to effective dietary policy reform.

Rising UPF Consumption Sparks Global Health Concerns

A new three-paper Series in The Lancet, written by 43 international experts, warns that the rapid spread of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) across global diets is creating a serious public health challenge. The authors detail how UPF companies use a range of strategies to increase sales and block policies designed to protect consumers. The Series offers a plan for stronger government action, greater community involvement, and broader access to affordable, nutritious foods.

Professor Carlos Monteiro, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, explains, “The growing consumption of ultra-processed foods is reshaping diets worldwide, displacing fresh and minimally processed foods and meals. This change in what people eat is fueled by powerful global corporations who generate huge profits by prioritizing ultra-processed products, supported by extensive marketing and political lobbying to stop effective public health policies to support healthy eating.”

Calls for Strong, Coordinated Policy Action

Professor Camila Corvalan, University of Chile, Chile, adds, “Addressing this challenge requires governments to step up and introduce bold, coordinated policy action — from including markers of UPFs in front-of-package labels to restricting marketing and implementing taxes on these products to fund greater access to affordable, nutritious foods.”

Dr. Phillip Baker, University of Sydney, Australia, continues, “We need a strong global public health response — like the coordinated efforts to challenge the tobacco industry. Including safeguarding policy spaces from political lobbying and building powerful coalitions to advocate for healthy, fair, and sustainable food systems and stand-up to corporate power.”