'Irresponsible' to suggest all ultra-processed food will lead to serious health problems

FEARS about the impact on health of ultra-processed foods should not stop people enjoying them in moderation, an expert has said.

- Hanna Geissler

The term describes foods made using industrial processes that could not be made in a domestic kitchen.

They often contain artificial colours, emulsifiers, flavourings and other additives, and are typically high in sugar, fat and/or salt, but low in important vitamins and fibre.

Vague

They include packaged baked goods, crisps, fizzy drinks, sugary cereals, ready meals, sausages and fast foods such as burgers and pizzas.

But Gunter Kuhnle, a professor in nutrition and food science at the University of Reading, told the Daily Express the definition of a UPF was "incredibly vague" and inconsistent.

He said it was more important to look at the contents of food than the process by which it is made.

He added: "Ultra-processed food is such a huge category, so it's incredibly difficult.

"Some of them, like bread, are unlikely really to cause an adverse impact. If you make soup at home and you use a stock cube, does that make it ultra-processed or not? The fringes are really difficult.