Researchers Call for Tobacco-Style Regulation of Ultra-Processed Foods Due to Addictive Properties
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jnord
3mo ago· 6 min readenNews
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Summary
A new report from researchers at three US universities argues that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) should be regulated similarly to tobacco products like cigarettes, due to their engineered addictive properties and widespread health harms. The researchers draw parallels between UPFs and cigarettes, noting both are designed to encourage addiction and consumption, and both cause significant public health problems. UPFs include industrially manufactured food products like soft drinks, packaged snacks, crisps, and biscuits that contain emulsifiers, artificial coloring, and flavors.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledUltra-processed foods (UPFs) have more in common with cigarettes than with fruit or vegetables, and require far tighter regulation, according to a new report.
UPFs and cigarettes are engineered to encourage addiction and consumption, researchers from three US universities said, pointing to the parallels in widespread health harms that link both.
UPFs, which are widely available worldwide, are food products that have been industrially manufactured, often using emulsifiers or artificial colouring and flavours.
UPFs are made to encourage addiction and consumption and should be regulated like tobacco, say researchers
