Ultra-processed food (UPF) Consumption linked to risk of early death

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A 30-year-long U.S. study found that consuming UPF is associated with a higher risk of early death.

The risk was especially associated with products like ready-to-eat meats, sugary drinks, dairy desserts, and processed breakfast foods.

However, researchers also clarified that not all UPF should be universally restricted, but findings support limiting certain types for long-term health.

Researchers used the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI) score to assess overall dietary quality.
- AHEI, developed by the Harvard School of Public Health, assigns ratings to foods and nutrients predictive of chronic disease.

UPFs are a category of food products that have undergone extensive processing and contain significant amounts of additives (like preservatives, artificial flavors, and emulsifiers).
They are often High in fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) and low in Vitamins, protein, and fiber. For example, snacks, sodas, etc.
Their increased consumption may lead to various health issues including hypertension, renal failure, obesity, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
UPF food sector in India witnessed a compounded annual growth rate of 13.4% between 2011 and 2021 and is expected to grow further (WHO).

Revised (2024) Dietary Guidelines for Indians by the Indian Council of Medical Research.
Eat Right India Campaign by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure safe and wholesome food.
FSSAI limits trans fatty acids (TFA) in food products to 2% by mass of the total oils and fats.
Aerated beverages in India are taxed at 28% GST and an additional 12% Compenation cess.
High-fat sugar Salt (HFSS) foods in India are taxed at a 12% Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate.
Kerala had also introduced a fat tax in 2016.