The global increase in consumption of ultra-processed foods is a major threat to public health. Scientific articles published this week in The Lancet magazine, authored by 43 international experts, prove that these foods, rich in chemical additives, sugars, fats and salt, have been replacing fresh foods and meals.
As a consequence of this, cases of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression and premature death increase.
Scientists are convinced that improving diets around the world cannot depend solely on changing consumer behavior and that policies are needed to reduce its production, marketing and consumption.
Including information about ingredients on the front labels of packaging, limiting advertisements aimed at children or banning ultra-processed foods in schools and hospitals are some of the proposed measures.
Researchers guarantee that the multinationals that dominate the market only have profit in mind, to the detriment of public health.
The guest of this episode is Nuno Borges, professor at the Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of Porto and member of the board of the Portuguese Nutrition Association.
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