Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are the focus of nutrition policy debate with growing clinical-evidence base. The session covers NOVA classification framework vs FDA 'healthy' 2025 definition, front-of-pack warning labels (Chile, Mexico, EU Nutri-Score), industry reformulation pressure in the GLP-1 era, the BMJ and Lancet meta-analyses on UPF health outcomes, children's UPF consumption epidemiology, and the regulatory landscape internationally. Discussion addresses the UPF-cardiovascular link, the UPF-mental health emerging evidence, the policy levers (sugar taxes, marketing restrictions), the food-industry response and reformulation case studies, and the challenge of defining 'ultra-processed' in regulatory frameworks.