# The science and politics behind the panic over ultraprocessed foods

> How ultraprocessed foods are both blamed for health crises and defended as part of a healthy diet.
- Title: The science and politics behind the panic over ultraprocessed…
- Summary: How ultraprocessed foods are both blamed for health crises and defended as part of a healthy diet. Ultraprocessed foods are linked to chronic diseases but…
- Keywords: ultraprocessed foods, nova framework, food processing, chronic diseases, public health, food policy, nutrition, food industry, science, ideas, politics, behind
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/the-science-and-politics-behind-the-panic-over-ultraprocessed-foods-292661
- Author: Garrett M. Broad
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ultraprocessed foods, nova framework, food processing, chronic diseases, public health, food policy, nutrition, food industry, science, ideas
## What are ultraprocessed foods?
Ultraprocessed foods are mass-produced industrial formulations using ingredients not typically found in home kitchens.
## The NOVA food classification system
The NOVA framework categorizes foods into four levels based on processing complexity.
## NOVA Category 4: ultraprocessed foods
NOVA Category 4 foods are industrially manufactured products impossible to make at home.
## Ultraprocessed foods in global diets
Ultraprocessed foods account for over 50% of total calories in the United States.
## Health impacts of ultraprocessed foods
People who consume more ultraprocessed foods face higher risks of chronic diseases and early death.
## Mixed health findings
Some ultraprocessed foods like sodas and deli meats increase health risks, while others like breads and yogurt show lower risks.
## Limited long-term studies
Clinical trials on ultraprocessed foods show short-term effects but not long-term health impacts.
## Contested definition
The definition of ultraprocessed is ambiguous, with home-baked cakes considered Category 3 while store-bought cakes are Category 4.
## Healthier ultraprocessed foods
Some researchers argue ultraprocessed foods can be made healthier without eliminating them entirely.
## Industry ties and policy debate
Food policy researchers note some ultraprocessed food advocates have ties to the food industry and call for immediate regulatory action.
## The core disagreement
Researchers agree the food environment needs to be healthier but disagree on whether to target ultraprocessing or nutrients.
## Key takeaway

Ultraprocessed foods are linked to chronic diseases but some argue they can be healthy, creating debate over whether to regulate processing or nutrients.