The tragedy of man: ultra-processed foods are the temptations of the modern age

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 07. 28. 11:25

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The proportion of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in the diets of European consumers has increased dramatically: in some countries, such as the United Kingdom or Spain, these products account for up to 70% of energy requirements.

According to the NOVA classification system, these include industrially produced foods that contain additives unknown in domestic kitchens – such as colorings, sweeteners, emulsifiers, flavor enhancers – – writes Economyx.

The phenomenon has serious public health and market consequences. According to a recent summary study, excessive consumption of UPFs is associated with the frequency of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. The Spanish government has already taken steps: it would exclude them from school menus by reforming public catering. Meanwhile, biochemical registries report that 7 new compounds are registered every day worldwide – some of which may enter the food chain directly or indirectly.

The rise of processed foods is currently profitable for manufacturers and retailers, but it also carries increasing regulatory risks, particularly in the areas of marketing to children and transparent ingredient labeling.