#ultra-processed foods

#ultra-processed foods

People don't realise how many kids go without food. It may be financial or because the parents are too busy and I think it's fantastic that the government have this program in place.

California is the first state to define ultra-processed foods and phase them out of school meals,

The increase is real and global, rising from approximately 94,700 cases in 1990 to 225,736 in 2019. A study across Europe found that for those aged 20-29, incidence rose 7.9% per year between 2004 and 2016, with the rates increasing by 4.9% in those aged 3039, and 1.6% in the 40-49 group in roughly the same period. Not only is colon cancer increasing in every age cohort under 50, the growth rate is highest in the youngest group.

Before the pandemic, office life left many of us at the mercy of overpriced meal deals, vending machines, and a rushed lunch break. Research shows only 37 per cent of European workers took a full lunch break when working on-site, while 10 per cent of UK workers skip their lunch breaks altogether. Data suggests that office lunches can lean heavily on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) - quick and convenient, but low in nutritional value.

Later this month, the United Nations General Assembly will discuss a proposal to eliminate trans-fatty acids (trans fats) from diets. These fats are mainly produced industrially. They clog up arteries, increasing people's risk of a heart attack or death. Some 60 countries are already on a path to eliminating these fats and the World Health Organization has certified that 9 have removed industrially produced trans fats from their food supply.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) contribute to nearly 70% of children’s calories, correlating with a rise in childhood chronic diseases, signaling a public health crisis.

The MAHA Commission's report highlights alarming declines in children's health, attributing these issues to poor diet, over-medicalization, and lack of physical activity.