Experts are calling for clear labelling on ultra-processed foods, as some of these products could be classified as “healthy” under the current “traffic-light” system. The University College London team highlighted that this is particularly true for meat-alternative products, where consumers may not be aware that they are buying ultra-processed foods. Consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to obesity and heart disease. Currently, food labels in the UK only indicate whether a product is high in fat, salt, and sugar, but provide no information about how processed it is.
Ultra-processed foods are defined by their manufacturing process and ingredients. They typically have more than five ingredients and include items such as cakes, biscuits, and yoghurts. On the other end of the scale are unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and fresh meat, while processed foods like cheeses, tinned products, and some bread fall in the middle.
The University College London team found that some ultra-processed foods, like meat alternatives, may be labelled as “healthy” on the front of the package, even though they are highly processed. There is also limited research on the impact of ultra-processed foods on overall health outcomes like diabetes and heart disease.
To address these concerns, the team at UCL has started a trial to compare the health outcomes of a diet consisting solely of ultra-processed foods with a diet of minimally processed foods that meet government recommendations for salt, fat, sugar, and energy. The results of this trial will help determine whether guidance should be provided to consumers.
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