According to The Guardian, three out of five scientists on an expert panel discussing the demonization of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have ties to major manufacturers of these products. Recent studies have linked UPFs, such as ice-cream, fizzy drinks, and ready meals, to health issues like an increased risk of cancer, weight gain, and heart disease. The consumption of these products is on the rise globally, and they now make up over half of the average diet in the UK and US.
During a media briefing organized by the Science Media Centre in London, the panel of expert scientists suggested that consumers should not be overly concerned about UPFs and that these foods could sometimes even be beneficial. The briefing generated headlines like “Ultra-processed foods as good as homemade fare, say experts” and “Ultra-processed foods can sometimes be better for you, experts claim.”
However, it is important to note that three of the five participants on the panel have financial support from UPF manufacturers or hold key positions with organizations funded by them. These manufacturers include Nestlé, Mondelēz, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Unilever, and General Mills.
One panelist, Prof Janet Cade from the University of Leeds, stated that most research cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship between UPFs and poor health. She also mentioned that some items falling into the UPF category, such as wholemeal bread and yogurt, can actually be beneficial. Cade is the chair of the advisory committee of the British Nutrition Foundation, which is supported by companies like McDonald’s, British Sugar, and Mars.
Another panelist, Prof Pete Wilde from the Quadram Institute, raised the question of whether homemade cakes or cheesecakes, although not considered processed, are any healthier than their commercial counterparts, as they also contain high levels of sugar, fat, and salt. Wilde has received support for his research from companies like Unilever and Nestlé.
Prof Ciarán Forde from Wageningen University in the Netherlands argued that advising people to avoid UPFs may demonize foods that are actually beneficial. Forde has previously been employed by Nestlé and has received financial support from companies like PepsiCo and General Mills.
It is worth mentioning that the scientists declared their potential conflicts of interest before the briefing, and this information was shared with journalists. However, their links to UPF manufacturers were not mentioned in the media coverage.
Barbara Crowther from the children’s food campaign at Sustain emphasized that reducing consumption of UPFs, especially those high in fat, salt, and sugar, is crucial for protecting health and preventing diet-related diseases. She expressed concern that labeling some UPFs as healthy could confuse the public and pose a danger to public health.
Duane Mellor, a registered dietitian and senior lecturer at Aston medical school, highlighted the problem of swinging messages in the media and the resulting confusion among consumers. He emphasized the importance of promoting the consumption of vegetables, fruit, and pulses.
The scientists defended their integrity and the necessity of balanced debates on this issue. Fiona Fox, the chief executive of the Science Media Centre, clarified that the scientists chosen for the briefing are publicly funded academics and that their contact with industry partners is openly declared.
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