{"id":1134,"date":"2025-11-21T09:16:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T08:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/?post_type=news&#038;p=1134"},"modified":"2025-11-20T14:16:56","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T13:16:56","slug":"ultra-transformes-lancet-ingredients","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/news\/ultra-transformes-lancet-ingredients\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultra-processed foods: when the Lancet sounds the death knell for an economic model"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>The verdict came down in November 2025: Utra-Processed Foods are no longer a simple nutritional debate, but a global public health issue. With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/series-do\/ultra-processed-food?dgcid=tl.com_carousel5_lancetupf25\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">his new series of three articles<\/a>, <em>The Lancet<\/em> doesn't just sound the alarm - it proposes an arsenal of public policies that will redefine the rules of the game for the entire food chain. The message is clear: the \u00abcomplex processes + sensory additives + maximum profitability\u00bb model is entering a zone of regulatory turbulence. Between marketing restrictions, targeted taxes and exclusion from public procurement markets, the time has come to take strategic action, not just a watchful eye. Here's a look at the ingredients ecosystem: what exactly does this series say, what policies are on the horizon, and above all - how can this constraint be turned into a competitive advantage?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Nova 4: anatomy of an industrial model in the spotlight<\/strong>s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nova classification doesn't just measure nutrients - it assesses <strong>the scope and purpose of the transformation<\/strong>. And that's where things get tricky for the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The four Nova groups (quick reminder)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Group 1<\/strong> raw or minimally processed foods (fruit, vegetables, meat, milk)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Group 2<\/strong> culinary ingredients (oils, sugar, salt)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Group 3<\/strong> simple processed foods (bread, cheese, preserves)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Group 4<\/strong> the famous ultra-processed foods<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What puts you in Group 4<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/news\/ultra-processed-foods-and-health-implications-for-ingredient-producers\/\" data-type=\"news\" data-id=\"453\">ultra-processed foods<\/a> (or AUT\/UPF) are characterised by :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Composition<\/strong> Substances derived from food (modified starches, protein isolates, refined oils, syrups) combined with sensory additives (emulsifiers, sweeteners, flavourings, colourings).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Purpose<\/strong> optimised matrices to replace the first three Nova groups, maximise palatability and profitability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Results<\/strong> ready-to-eat products containing little or no wholefoods<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What's at stake for suppliers?<\/strong> It's not that an ingredient or process becomes \u00abbanned\u00bb overnight. It's just that <strong>the combination<\/strong> processes + ingredients + positioning bring entire categories under the regulatory microscope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"558\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/zoshua-colah-7H-CWW3rz9U-unsplash-e1763644366910-1024x558.jpg\" alt=\"The toxic triad of ultra-processed foods\" class=\"wp-image-1141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/zoshua-colah-7H-CWW3rz9U-unsplash-e1763644366910-980x551.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/zoshua-colah-7H-CWW3rz9U-unsplash-e1763644366910-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What the Lancet says: three articles, one massive finding<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Article 1: The ultra-transformed tsunami is real<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The figures speak for themselves:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Share of ultra-processed foods in energy intake: from 9 % (Iran) to <strong>60 % (United States)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spectacular growth in emerging countries: <strong>+60 % sales in Uganda<\/strong> between 2007 and 2022<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the United States and the United Kingdom, the AUT model is already dominant (&gt;50 % of inputs), and growth is levelling off... due to a lack of room for improvement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The scheme is spreading rapidly to Latin America, Africa and Asia<\/strong> - the priority growth areas for ingredient suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The toxic triad of ultra-processed foods<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Lancet series consolidates three mechanistic hypotheses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Food movement<\/strong> Ultra-processed foods are gradually replacing Nova foods 1-3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nutritional degradation<\/strong> :\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unbalanced profiles (energy density, free sugars, poor quality fats)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Destroyed matrices encouraging over-consumption (hyper-palatability)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deficiency in protective compounds (fibre, polyphenols)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased exposure to contaminants and additive mixtures with poorly characterised effects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Health impact<\/strong> : association with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/news\/child-obesity-in-2025-unicef-sounds-the-alarm\/\" data-type=\"news\" data-id=\"769\">obesity<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/news\/the-mediterranean-diet-significantly-reduces-diabetes-under-three-conditions\/\" data-type=\"news\" data-id=\"698\">type 2 diabetes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/news\/plant-based-food-and-cardiovascular-health-two-new-studies-confirm-a-protective-link\/\" data-type=\"news\" data-id=\"590\">cardiovascular diseases<\/a>, certain cancers, depression, all-cause mortality<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The statistical verdict:<\/strong> out of 104 studies examined, 92 showed an association between a diet rich in ultra-processed foods and at least one risk factor for chronic disease. The meta-analyses reveal orders of magnitude of risk comparable - but in the opposite direction - to the protective effects of the Mediterranean diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Article 2: The business model that is shaking up public health<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here are the disturbing facts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Between 1962 and 2021: on <strong>2,900 billion dollars<\/strong> of dividends paid by the agri-food sector, <strong>more than half comes from AUT manufacturers<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 8 giants (Nestl\u00e9, PepsiCo, Unilever, Coca-Cola, Danone, Femsa, Mondelez, Kraft Heinz): <strong>42 % of employees in the sector<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>World TUE market : <strong>1.9 billion<\/strong> in 2023<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This profitability feeds a self-reinforcing circle: R&amp;D, massive marketing, structured lobbying, influence on standards. For an ingredient supplier, the message is clear: <strong>the subject of TUE is no longer a scientific debate, it is an issue of governance of food systems.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Article 3: From HFSS to \u00abHFSS + UPF\u00bb - the regulatory shift<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Until now, policies have targeted products high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS for High Fat Salt Sugar). <strong>Problem:<\/strong> a \u00abreformulated\u00bb product can remain ultra-processed, with its modified matrices and sensory additives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The new paradigm :<\/strong> maintain existing HFSS policies + add UPF markers (additives, derived substances) in nutritional profiles and regulatory tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Lancet Series on Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/videoseries?list=PLoHXnVng2SVBsmBprH82pnTTVT7IqdscK\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Upcoming policies: four fronts for action<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Front 1: Labelling and information<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Already in place :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina: front warning labels for non-compliant products<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OPS\/PAHO nutritional profile: combines nutritional thresholds + AUT markers (e.g. presence of intense sweeteners)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Front 2: Marketing and distribution restrictions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ban on marketing aimed at children<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exclusion from schools (already in place in several Latin American countries)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Brazil<\/strong> target of 90 % of Nova 1 food in school catering by 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Front 3: Taxation and incentives<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Taxes on sugary drinks and other ultra-processed foods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reallocation of revenue to fresh and minimally processed foods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Redirecting agricultural subsidies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Front 4: Regulation of lobbying<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strict rules on conflicts of interest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exclusion of ultra-processed food manufacturers from certain areas of governance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limiting self-regulation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Lancet editorial goes further:<\/strong> treat TUEs as a \u00abglobal health issue\u00bb, with a coordinated response comparable to that deployed for tobacco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/infographie.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of Ultra-processed foods: when the Lancet sounds the death knell for an economic model.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-c6b9c54b-6d82-4f8b-8f9f-f20e77849431\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/infographie.pdf\">Ultra-processed foods: when the Lancet sounds the death knell for an economic model<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/infographie.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-c6b9c54b-6d82-4f8b-8f9f-f20e77849431\" download>Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Risk-opportunity matrix for ingredient suppliers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Risks to be mapped as a matter of urgency<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Customer dependency risk\u00ab<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Concentration on a few large groups structured around ultra-processed foods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indirect exposure via taxes, marketing restrictions, exclusion from public contracts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Regulatory risk<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gradual integration of AUT markers into nutritional profiles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Possible reclassification of certain additives or combinations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greater transparency on ingredients and processes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reputational risk<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Association of certain ingredients (intense sweeteners, texturisers, complex flavours) with the AUT universe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tension between CSR rhetoric and the reality of applications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Opportunities to seize<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The series calls for <strong>\u00abPreserve, protect and promote diets based on unprocessed or minimally processed foods.\u00bb<\/strong>. B2B translation :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Culinary facilitation<\/strong> solutions for lightly processed \u00abready-made\u00bb dishes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Intelligent conservation<\/strong> technologies that extend shelf life without resorting to ultra-processing (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/news\/when-microbes-redefine-taste\/\" data-type=\"news\" data-id=\"801\">fermentation<\/a>, suitable packaging)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategic reformulation<\/strong> simplified matrices, limiting the stacking of sensory additives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Self-assessment grid: where do you stand?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Dimension<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Warning signal<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Key question<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Recommended action<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Product portfolio<\/strong><\/td><td>&gt;50% of CA on typical AUT applications<\/td><td>How much of my turnover depends on snacks, sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods?<\/td><td>Nova mapping of applications, identification of exposed segments<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Regulated environments<\/strong><\/td><td>Customers targeted by restrictions<\/td><td>Are my ingredients mainly used in products for children, schools and public markets?<\/td><td>Co-development of recipes below the nutritional profile thresholds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Customer focus<\/strong><\/td><td>Dependence on 2-3 major TUEs<\/td><td>Am I overexposed to giants whose model is based on TUEs?<\/td><td>Diversification into collective catering, Nova players 1-3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sourcing<\/strong><\/td><td>Ultra-standard amenities<\/td><td>Are my raw materials part of various supply chains or commodities?<\/td><td>Exploring partnerships closer to wholefoods<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Three strategic takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. The nature of the debate has changed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We're no longer just talking about nutrients, but about a <strong>transformation system<\/strong>. The combination of processes + ingredients + marketing becomes a target for public policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Profitability \u2260 sustainability<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2,900 billion in dividends shows that the AUT model remains financially solid. But regulatory and reputational exposures are increasing, particularly in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Ingredients as transition facilitators<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The series stresses the need to make food as unprocessed as possible <strong>accessible, practical and attractive<\/strong>. Suppliers capable of providing solutions in this area have a key role to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ultra-processed foods\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VVOpAl737tk?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQ: what you need to know about ultra-processed foods<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do TUEs \u00abcause\u00bb chronic diseases?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The authors remain cautious about the strict causal language, but the body of evidence (&gt;100 cohort studies, meta-analyses, randomised trials, mechanistic studies) is considered sufficiently solid to consider the ultra-processed diet as a \"causal\" factor. <strong>major driver<\/strong> numerous pathologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Are all innovations being called into question?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No. The series questions a model in which processing is mainly used to create highly palatable, highly profitable substitutes. Instead, it recommends innovations that make Nova 1-3 foods easier to access, more convenient and safer, without piling on the additives typical of TUEs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Will policies target ingredients directly?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The instruments (nutritional profiles, labelling, taxes, restrictions) are targeted at <strong>finished products<\/strong>. But their implementation is based on criteria linked to the formulation - and therefore indirectly to the ingredients. Suppliers are involved via customer specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What about lobbying and conflicts of interest?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The third article stresses that the political activity of the AUT industry (lobbying, self-regulation, scientific influence) is one of the main obstacles to action. For a B2B player, <strong>scientific credibility and transparency of partnerships become strategic assets<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>References<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monteiro CA et al. <em>Ultra-processed foods and human health: the main thesis and the evidence<\/em>. The Lancet. 2025; published online 18 November.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scrinis G et al. <em>Policies to halt and reverse the rise in ultra-processed food production, marketing, and consumption<\/em>. The Lancet. 2025; published online 18 November.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Baker P et al. <em>Towards unified global action on ultra-processed foods: understanding commercial determinants, countering corporate power, and mobilising a public health response<\/em>. The Lancet. 2025; published online 18 November.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Lancet Editorial. <em>Ultra-processed foods: time to put health before profit<\/em>. The Lancet. 2025; published online 18 November.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Official infographic of the series <em>Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health<\/em>. The Lancet, 2025.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>All available <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/series-do\/ultra-processed-food?dgcid=tl.com_carousel5_lancetupf25\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">on the official AUT series page<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false},"class_list":["post-1134","news","type-news","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/1134","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrimedia.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1134"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}