How Ultra-Processed Foods Harm Health: Expert Insights
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been identified as a major contributor to the global “chronic disease pandemic,” according to experts writing in *The Lancet*. UPFs, including processed meats, ready meals, biscuits, and fizzy drinks, are often high in saturated fats, salt, sugar, and artificial additives, which displace nutritious alternatives and increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, cancer, and premature death. The study highlights how the UPF industry prioritizes profitability, reshaping food systems and driving unhealthy dietary patterns. While some countries have introduced policies to regulate UPFs, experts argue that these measures are insufficient and liken the situation to the early stages of tobacco control. Malta, with its rich Mediterranean culinary heritage, has an opportunity to counter the rise of UPFs by promoting traditional diets centered on fresh vegetables, olive oil, whole grains, legumes, and fish. Mediterranean countries like Italy and Greece have lower UPF consumption compared to the UK and US, undersc
Ultra-Processed Foods: A Growing Concern for Public Health and Longevity
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been identified as a major contributor to the “chronic disease pandemic,” according to global experts, with food companies prioritizing profit over public health. Writing in The Lancet medical journal, 43 leading scientists and researchers have highlighted how UPFs are displacing fresh, wholesome meals and lowering overall diet quality, leading to a rise in chronic diseases.
UPFs include items such as ice cream, processed meats, crisps, mass-produced bread, certain breakfast cereals, biscuits, ready meals, and fizzy drinks. These foods are typically high in saturated fats, salt, sugar, and artificial additives such as emulsifiers, preservatives, and synthetic flavorings—ingredients not commonly found in home-cooked meals. Experts warn that these components not only crowd out nutritious alternatives but also increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, cancer, and premature death.
The global team behind The Lancet study argues that the expansion of the UPF industry is largely driven by its growing economic and political clout, which reshapes food systems to prioritize profitability. This industry, comprising manufacturers and a network of dependent actors, aggressively promotes the production, marketing, and consumption of UPFs. While some countries have introduced policies aimed at food reformulation and regulating UPF content, the authors compare the global public health response to UPFs to the early stages of tobacco control decades ago—a movement that still faced significant resistance from industry lobbying.
In Malta, a country where traditional Mediterranean cuisine emphasizes fresh, whole foods, there is an opportunity to leverage this cultural heritage to promote healthier eating habits. Countries such as Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Portugal—known for their Mediterranean diets—have dietary UPF shares below 25%, compared to 50% in the UK and US. This highlights the importance of preserving Malta’s culinary traditions, which emphasize seasonal vegetables, olive oil, fresh fish, whole grains, and legumes, as a model for combating the rise of UPFs.
Experts have pointed out that government policies in high-income countries, such as the UK, often focus on consumer responsibility and voluntary industry measures rather than addressing structural issues within the food system. These measures include replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners or reducing fat content in products. However, Professor Chris Van Tulleken from University College London argues that such reformulations are not enough. He notes that while products have been modified over decades, rates of childhood obesity and diet-related chronic illnesses have continued to rise. “This is not a product-level discussion. The entire diet is being ultra-processed,” he stated. He emphasized that UPFs are designed with profitability in mind, making positive health outcomes unlikely as long as profit remains the priority.
For Malta, where dining out is a significant part of the culture, restaurants can play a key role in encouraging healthier eating habits. Restaurants that prioritize fresh, local ingredients and avoid heavily processed foods can help shift public perception and promote balanced diets. Restaurateurs can also highlight the benefits of Mediterranean cuisine, which is associated with longevity and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
The Lancet study calls for immediate action to reduce reliance on UPFs, rather than delaying interventions while awaiting further research. Professor Jules Griffin from the University of Aberdeen noted that the study links increased consumption of UPFs with a wide range of chronic diseases, though causation remains to be definitively proven. Similarly, Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University, stressed the need for transparency regarding what is scientifically understood about UPFs and their health implications.
Kate Halliwell, chief scientific officer at the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), defended the industry, claiming that food manufacturers have worked to make products healthier by reducing salt, sugar, and calorie content. She noted that FDF-member products now contain a third less salt and sugar and a quarter fewer calories compared to 2015. However, critics argue that these changes do not address the core issue of UPFs dominating diets and displacing whole, nutritious foods.
For readers in Malta, this discussion underscores the importance of embracing traditional culinary practices and making informed choices at both grocery stores and restaurants. While UPFs may offer convenience, they come with significant health risks that cannot be ignored. By choosing fresh, minimally processed foods and supporting local establishments that prioritize wholesome ingredients, individuals can protect their health and contribute to the preservation of Malta’s rich culinary heritage.
The Mediterranean diet, which includes fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil, remains one of the most scientifically-backed ways to promote longevity and prevent chronic diseases. By adopting this lifestyle and reducing reliance on UPFs, Malta can continue to be a shining example of health-conscious living in the modern world.