UPFs ‘killing tens of thousands’ globally in latest sector blow

UPFs are increasing the morality rate, new research has claimed.

(Image: Getty Images)

Ultra-processed foods (UPF) may be responsible for thousands of deaths worldwide, a new study has claimedUPFs have faced another blow and been linked to causing tens of thousands of deaths in countries across the world, but more so in the US and UK where the highest consumption occurs.

The latest tranche of research into the controversial food category has made a correlation between UPFs and an increased risk of premature mortality.

Along with the other associated health risks of high fat, salt and sugar-containing foods, experts in an American Journal of Preventative Medicine article have linked UPFs with higher mortality rates.

While a link has been made, researchers caveat that they’re not yet sure why UPFs cause poor health. It is undecided whether the increased mortality risk is down to processing or the fact such foods may not be nutritionally positive.

UPFs can’t be linked with cause of deathOther dietary scientists have criticised the research, saying it was observational only and could not link UPFs with the cause of death.

There is no evidence to prove UPFs are harmful, argues Stephen Burgess, a statistician in the MRC Biostatistics Unit at the University of Cambridge.

Despite this, experts in the American health journal urge governments worldwide to police consumption of such products with the aim of bringing down overall intake.

Data from eight countries analysed by researchers showed a high proportion of daily calorie intake was coming from UPFs in many territories.

More so in the US where UPFs account for 55% of calorie intake and 53% in the UK. Premature deaths linked to UPF in these was at 14% compared with 4% in the likes of Colombia where UPF intake is significantly lower.

In the UK, near 18,000 deaths could have been linked to UPFs, the researchers’ model claims.

Just a 10% increase in UPF consumption could increase the risk of an earlier death by 3%, says the study’s lead investigator, Eduardo Nilson, from Brazil’s Oswaldo Cruz Foundation.

UPF effect on health“UPFs affect health beyond the individual impact of high content of critical nutrients – sodium, trans fats and sugar – because of the changes in the foods during industrial processing and the use of artificial ingredients including colourants, artificial flavours, sweeteners, emulsifiers and many other additives and processing aids, so assessing deaths from all causes associated with UPF consumption allows an overall estimate of the effect of industrial food processing on health,” says Nilson.

The research comes as Europeans call for regulation on UPFs, despite the fact such measures are unlikely to take effect.

It also comes on the back of industry calls for the sector to voice the truth on UPF, including the positives of the category, specifically when it comes to meat reduction.

Source: American Journal of Preventative Medicine: Premature Morality Attributable to UPF Consumption in 8 Countries

Published online: 28 April 2025

DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2025.02.018

Authors: Eduardo A F Nilson, Felipe Mendes Delpino, Carolina Batis et al.