The ultra-processed foods hypothesis: a product processed well beyond the basic ingredients in the package

Visioli, F. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1756-1723, Marangoni, F., Fogliano, V., Del Rio, D., Martinez, J. A., Kuhnle, G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8081-8931, Buttriss, J., Da Costa Ribeiro, H., Bier, D. and Poli, A. (2023) The ultra-processed foods hypothesis: a product processed well beyond the basic ingredients in the package. Nutrition Research Reviews, 36 (2). pp. 340-350. ISSN 0954-4224 doi: 10.1017/S0954422422000117

Abstract/Summary

The NOVA classification of food items has become increasingly popular and is being used in several observational studies as well as in nutritional guidelines and recommendations. We propose that there is a need for this classification and its use in the formulation of public health policies to be critically discussed and re-appraised. The terms "processing" and "ultra-processing," which are crucial to the NOVA classification, are ill-defined, as no scientific, measurable, or precise reference parameters exist for them. Likewise, the theoretical grounds of the NOVA classification are unclear and inaccurate. Overall, the NOVA classification conflicts with the classic, evidence-based evaluation of foods based on composition and portion size because NOVA postulates that the food itself (or how much of it is eaten) are unimportant, but rather that dietary effects are due to how the food is produced. We contend that the NOVA system suffers from a lack of biological plausibility so the assertion that ultra-processed foods are intrinsically unhealthful is largely unproven, and needs further examination and elaboration.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/106226
Identification Number/DOI	10.1017/S0954422422000117
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences > Human Nutrition Research Group Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences > Food Research Group
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
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