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Study: Ultra-processed food consumption linked to risk of early death


About the news

  • Consuming ultra-processed foods (UPF) is linked to a higher risk of early death.
  • The risk is notably higher with ready-to-eat meats, sugary drinks, dairy desserts, and processed breakfast foods.
  • The Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI) score, developed by Harvard School of Public Health, was used to evaluate dietary quality.

 Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF)

About:

  • UPFs are extensively processed foods with significant amounts of additives such as preservatives, artificial flavours, and emulsifiers.
  • They are typically high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) and low in vitamins, protein, and fibre.
  • Increased consumption can lead to hypertension, renal failure, obesity, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases.
·       The UPF sector in India grew at a compounded annual growth rate of 13.4% between 2011 and 2021, with further growth expected (WHO).

Challenges in Curbing UPF Consumption in India:

  • Shifts in lifestyle and dietary patterns contribute to increased UPF consumption.
  • There is an absence of a clear definition and coverage of HFSS foods.
  • Insufficient comprehensive regulations on advertising and marketing of UPFs.
Indian Initiatives to Curb UPF Consumption

·       Revised Dietary Guidelines (2024) issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research.

·       Eat Right India Campaign was launched by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure safe and wholesome food.

·       FSSAI limits trans fatty acids in food products to 2% by mass of total oils and fats.

·       Aerated beverages are taxed at 28% GST plus an additional 12% compensation cess.

·       High-fat sugar salt (HFSS) foods are taxed at a 12% Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate.

·       Kerala introduced a ‘fat tax’ in 2016

 

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