Industry ties of scientists who backed processed food revealed

Three out of five scientists on an expert panel that suggested ultra-processed foods (UPFS) were being unfairly demonised have ties to the world's largest manufacturers of the products, the Guardian can reveal.

- Andrew Gregory

Recent studies have linked UPFS such as ice-cream, fizzy drinks and ready meals to poor health, including an increased risk of cancer, weight gain and heart disease. Global consumption is soaring and UPFS now make up more than half the average diet in the UK and US.

But on Wednesday, scientists suggested at a media briefing in London that consumers should not be too hung up on concerns raised about UPFS. They could sometimes even be good for people, they said. The briefing, organised by the Science Media Centre (SMC), generated headlines including "Ultra-processed foods as good as homemade fare, say experts," "Ultra-processed foods can be good for you, say nutritionists," and "Ultra-processed foods can sometimes be better for you, experts claim."

Three of the five people on the panel have either received financial support for research from UPF manufacturers or hold key positions organisations that are with funded by them. They include Nestlé, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, Pepsico, Unilever, and General Mills, which markets brands including HäagenDazs, Cheerios and Nesquik.

Prof Janet Cade, of the University of Leeds, told the briefing most research suggesting a link between UPFS and poor health "cannot show cause and effect" and that some items falling into the UPF bracket are foods "we would encourage such as wholemeal bread, wholegrain breakfast cereals, yoghurts and so on. And in fact, processing can actually help to preserve nutrients."