Systemic drivers of ultra-processed food consumption and chronic disease: A policy and research gap
Original framing: “[Correspondence] Ultra-processed foods in research and policy” — The Lancet
The rise of ultra-processed foods parallels the industrialization of food in the 20th century, driven by post-war economic policies and the expansion of agribusiness. Historical patterns show that food commodification often follows colonial and capitalist trajectories, marginalizing traditional foodways and promoting health inequities.
The proliferation of ultra-processed foods is a systemic issue rooted in industrial food systems, colonial histories, and global economic structures.
While research highlights the health risks of UPFs, it often fails to address the deeper structural causes—such as agribusiness dominance, food deserts, and the erosion of traditional food systems. Indigenous knowledge and cross-cultural perspectives offer alternative models of food sovereignty and health that are underutilized in mainstream discourse. To create meaningful change, policy must shift from individual blame to structural reform, incorporating marginalized voices and supporting local food systems. Historical parallels show that food transitions are possible with political will and community engagement, offering a roadmap for a healthier, more equitable future.