Systemic Shifts in Global Diets: Ultra-processed Foods and the Need for Structural Interventions
Original framing: “[Correspondence] Ultra-processed foods in research and policy” — The Lancet
The history of colonialism and imperialism has shaped global food systems, with Western powers imposing their dietary norms on colonized peoples. This legacy continues to influence the global food system today, with corporate interests prioritizing profit over public health.
The proliferation of ultra-processed foods is a symptom of a broader issue: the erasure of indigenous food systems and the imposition of Western dietary norms.
The history of colonialism and imperialism has shaped global food systems, with corporate interests prioritizing profit over public health. To address this issue, we need a systemic approach that involves structural interventions in the global food system, corporate accountability and transparency, and community-led initiatives and food sovereignty. By centering the voices and experiences of marginalized communities, we can create a more equitable and sustainable food system that prioritizes public health and well-being.