## The Growing Call for Public Health Action Against Ultra-Processed Foods
A recent study, led by university of Sydney researcher Phillip Baker, draws parallels between the tactics employed by the ultra-processed food industry and those historically used by the tobacco industry. The research highlights the need for a robust global public health response to address the increasing prevalence and impact of ultra-processed diets.
Baker argues that a “strong, concerted global public health response” is crucial, mirroring the efforts that successfully challenged the tobacco industry. This includes shielding the political process from corporate lobbying and fostering powerful coalitions dedicated to building healthy, fair, and sustainable food systems capable of countering the influence of large corporations.
The article underscores the systemic nature of the problem, noting how major corporations have reshaped food systems worldwide to favor ultra-processed products. This is driven by profitability; ultra-processed foods represent the most lucrative sector of the food industry, with manufacturers accounting for over half of the US$2.9 trillion in shareholder distributions from publicly traded food companies as 1962.
The study details specific political strategies utilized by the industry, including direct lobbying, attempts to influence government agencies, and legal challenges. These efforts extend to promoting favorable regulatory frameworks,shaping civil society perceptions,and actively directing narratives - even creating scientific doubt regarding the health impacts of ultra-processed foods.
These concerns were previously addressed by professor Monteiro during a seminar on “Nutritional data,food choices and public health,” part of a course on scientific dissemination for communicators and journalists. A summary of his presentation is available on the FSP-USP website: “We need global policies to tackle ultra-processed foods and the obesity epidemic”.
The article concludes by outlining strategies to curb the power of the ultra-processed food industry and mobilize a global response. These include shifting resources away from ultra-processed food production towards other food producers, protecting food governance from corporate interference, and establishing safeguards against conflicts of interest in policy, research, and professional practice.
Further recommendations involve framing ultra-processed foods as a critical global health issue, building strong advocacy coalitions, investing in research and communication capacity, and ensuring a just transition to diets lower in ultra-processed foods. Professor Monteiro, in his course for journalists, specifically highlighted the importance of selective taxes, strategic fiscal policies, strong advertising regulations, increased access to fresh produce, and the promotion of culinary skills as key actions for Brazil to prioritize in fostering healthy and sustainable eating habits.
