The report highlights that rising UPF consumption is damaging public health, fuelling chronic diseases, and worsening inequalities.

• UPF consumption in India saw a 40 fold increase from 2006 to 2019.

What is UPF?

• They are heavily industrially processed foods high in fat, sugar, and salt, containing additives like emulsifiers, colours, and artificial flavors. 
• They include items like noodles, biscuits, chips etc. designed to be hyper-palatable and highly marketed. 
• Their increased consumption may lead to various health issues including hypertension, renal failure, obesity, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, etc.

Reasons behind increased use of UPF

• Aggressive Marketing: Heavy advertising and digital targeting push UPFs to all age groups.
• High Corporate Profits: UPFs are cheap to make and highly profitable due to its Hyper-Palatable Design (repeated consumptions).
• Weak Regulations: Loose rules on labeling, advertising, and school sales 
• Lifestyle Changes & high availability: Fast urban living increases dependence on ready-to-eat processed foods.

Policy Recommendations to curb UPF

• Increase Taxes on UPFs: To reduce consumption and fund subsidies for healthier foods.
• Regulate Corporate Influence: Replace industry self-regulation with mandatory rules and stronger competition oversight.
• Front-of-Pack Warning Labels: Showing high salt, sugar, and fat to inform consumers.
• Restrict UPFs in Public Institutions: Disallow UPFs in schools, hospitals, childcare centers, and government facilities.