Policies to halt and reverse the rise in ultra-processed food production, marketing, and consumption

Dietary patterns high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been associated with poor diet quality and health outcomes, and are displacing healthier dietary patterns—meals and dishes prepared with fresh and minimally processed foods—in most parts of the world. In the second paper of this Series, we propose a set of government policies aimed at halting and reversing the rise of UPFs worldwide. To date, policies have mainly focused on reducing consumption of foods high in added fats, sugar, and sodium, many of which are UPFs. However, we propose that these efforts be strengthened and expanded to address a broader set of food system drivers influencing the production, marketing, and consumption of UPFs. This Series paper addresses four food policy domains that correspond to the key dimensions of food system drivers of UPF production, marketing, and consumption: UPF products, UPF food environments, UPF manufacturers, fast-food corporations, and supermarket corporations retailers, and food supply chains. For each domain, we explore policy options and focus on large-scale food system measures that target areas in greatest need of change, and their potential impacts. We also examine policies to protect, incentivise, and support dietary patterns based on fresh and minimally processed foods, particularly for lower income households. Which policy actions governments decide to prioritise will depend on each country's level of UPF consumption, along with many other issues unique to each country. We emphasise the importance of advancing this agenda in all countries, irrespective of their development status, to promote healthier diets among populations.