Policies to halt and reverse the rise in ultra-processed food production, marketing, and consumption

Abstract

Dietary patterns high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been associated with poor diet quality and health outcomes, and are displacing healthier dietary patterns—meals and dishes prepared with fresh and minimally processed foods—in most parts of the world. In the second paper of this Series, we propose a set of government policies aimed at halting and reversing the rise of UPFs worldwide. To date, policies have mainly focused on reducing consumption of foods high in added fats, sugar, and sodium, many of which are UPFs. However, we propose that these efforts be strengthened and expanded to address a broader set of food system drivers influencing the production, marketing, and consumption ..