Should Ultra Processed Foods Carry Health Warnings?

In some countries, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) make up very high proportions of the diet. These foods have been linked to a wide range of negative health issues. One expert presenter at the International Congress on Obesity, has now suggested UPF packaging should carry health warnings, like those seen on cigarette packets (https://www.theguardian.com/global/article/2024/jun/27/ultra-processed-foods-need-tobacco-style-warnings-says-scientist). No tobacco product (including vapes) has a beneficial effects on the user. All, consequently, merit their negative packaging. There's no doubt the general public also needs better advice on the dangers of UPFs. There is, however, a great variation in the processing of these food products. Folk do need food, meaning it can't be claimed that a USP has no benefits. Many of the issues surrounding these products, emanate from their encouraging over-eating; their lack of fibre and vitamin/trace element deficiencies. It would clearly be very difficult to think of a graphic medical image that would honestly be appropriate for all UPFs. Education, rather than labels, might be the best route?