Ultra processed foods tax for Nestle, PepsiCo, Unilever, Coca-Cola, Danone, Mondelez, Kraft Heinz coming soon? Experts sound shocking warning

Researchers have called for slapping tax Ultra-processed foods citing the rising global consumption of such items poses a major threat to health. The scientists, including the Brazilian professor who coined the term with colleagues around 15 years ago, argue that UPFs or Ultra-processed foods are now increasingly common worldwide and linked to a decline in diet quality and a number of diseases, from obesity to cancer. Eight UPF manufacturers -- Nestle, PepsiCo, Unilever, Coca-Cola, Danone, Fomento Economico Mexicano, Mondelez, and Kraft Heinz -- accounted for 42 percent of the sector's $1.5 trillion in assets in 2021, the paper said.

The authors called for nations to introduce warnings on package labels, restrict marketing -- particularly advertisements aimed at children -- and tax certain UPFs, using the money to make fresh food more affordable for low-income households.

Ultra Processed Foods Research

UPFs are a class of food or drink made using processing techniques, additives and industrial ingredients, and mostly containing little whole foods. Examples include carbonated soft drinks or instant noodles.

While the term UPF has been used widely in recent years, some scientists, and the food industry, argue it is too simple, and the fight has become increasingly politicized.

The authors acknowledge criticisms in the Lancet series, saying more evidence is needed, particularly on why and how UPFs cause ill health, as well as on products with different nutritional values within the UPF class. But they say the signal is already strong enough for governments to take action.

In a systematic review of 104 long-term studies done for the series, 92 reported greater associated risks with one or more chronic diseases linked to UPF dietary patterns, and significant associations for 12 health conditions including Type 2 diabetes, obesity and depression.

Are there healthy UPFs?

The researchers said they welcomed "valid scientific criticisms" of the Nova classification system developed by Brazilian epidemiologist Carlos Monteiro, the lead author of the first study, AFP reported.

The Nova system, which separates food into four categories from the least to most processed, has come under scrutiny for not taking into account nutrients known to be unhealthy such as fat, salt and sugar.

This has meant that food traditionally thought to be healthy -- such as fake meat products, plant-based milks and some breads and canned vegetables -- could be considered ultra-processed.

The researchers acknowledged the important role played by fat, salt and sugar, calling for future research to isolate the effect of ultra-processing in foods such as flavoured and plain yoghurts.

Almost all existing UPF research reviewed by the team was observational, which means it cannot directly establish cause and effect. The precise mechanism for how UPFs cause such a wide range of health problems also remains unclear.

The researchers laid out numerous theories, including that UPFs contain a higher density of calories than fresh food, provoke overeating by combining elements such as fat and sugar, can be consumed more quickly because they are softer, or potentially contain harmful additives.

FAQs

Q1. What is full form of UPFs?

A1. Full form of UPFs is Ultra-processed foods.

Q2. Which are top UPF manufacturers?

A2. Eight UPF manufacturers -- Nestle, PepsiCo, Unilever, Coca-Cola, Danone, Fomento Economico Mexicano, Mondelez, and Kraft Heinz -- accounted for 42 percent of the sector's $1.5 trillion in assets in 2021, the paper said.