Ultra-Processed Foods & Food Corporations

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially manufactured packaged and fast-foods that contain reconstituted ingredients and additives, and are primarily produced by large food corporations. High proportions of UPFs in the diet have been associated with a range of poor health outcomes.

This series of projects and publications examines:

  • the nature of UPF products;
  • the commercial and corporate drivers of UPF production and consumption;
  • the market, techno-scientific and political power of UPF corporations;
  • policy proposals for reducing UPF consumption and regulating UPF corporations.

Grants

Bloomberg Foundation Grant (2023-24)
'Lancet Series on Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health'

  • Chief Investigators: Carlos Monteiro (University of Sao Paulo, Brazil), Gyorgy Scrinis, Phil Baker (Deakin University)
  • Project Description: To support the series of three articles commissioned by The Lancet journal on ‘Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health.’ The three articles will cover the scientific evidence, the politics, and the policy recommendations for reducing UPF consumption.

FAPESP Grant, Sao Paulo Research Foundation, Brazil (2016-2021)
‘Ultra-processed Food Consumption, Nutritional Profile of Diet and Obesity in Seven Countries’

  • Chief Investigators: Carlos Monteiro (University of Sao Paulo, Brazil), De Barros, A., Martins, A., Horta, B., Corvalan, C., Azeredo, C., Millett, C., Canella, D., Gigante, D., Parra, D., Scrinis, G., Santos, I., Moubarac, J.C., Batal, M., Reyes, M., Assuncao, M., Benicio, M., Claro, F., Uauy, R., De Vogli, R.
  • Project Description: This research project will study of food consumption patterns and health outcomes in seven countries: Brazil, Chile, Columbia, the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia.

Publications