The War on Ultra-Processed Foods: Scientific Debate or Moral Panic?
By
Gary Taubes
Summary
This article critically examines the ongoing panic and scientific debate around "ultra-processed foods" (UPFs), questioning whether the classification system makes sense. It notes that over two-thirds of Americans now view UPFs as addictive, with many blaming them for chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and even mental health conditions. However, the article challenges the coherence of the UPF concept itself, arguing that the NOVA classification system lumps together vastly different products — from soda to whole-grain bread — under a single label based on processing rather than nutritional content. The piece explores contradictions in the research, the role of the food industry, and whether the war on UPFs is scientifically justified or a moral panic.
Source
Twitter / XThe War on Ultra-Processed Foods: Scientific Debate or Moral Panic?theatlantic.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledMore than two-thirds of those surveyed now regard the industrially produced, ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, that dominate the U.S. food supply as addictive, according to a study published earlier this month in the American Journal of Public Health.
Most respondents said that UPFs are a major source of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
Nearly half—corresponding to some 130 million American adults—blame these foods for causing cancer, ADHD, depression, and anxiety.
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