Ultra-processed foods should be regulated more like cigarettes than food because they are engineered to encourage addiction and overconsumption, a new study argues.
Researchers from Harvard University, the University of Michigan and Duke University said UPFs share key traits with tobacco, including product design that targets reward pathways.
The study, published in Milbank Quarterly, links UPFs to widespread health harms and misleading “health-washing” marketing.
The authors urged governments to shift responsibility from consumers to the food industry using lessons from tobacco control.
Ultra-Processed Foods Should Face Tobacco-Style Regulation, Researchers Say
Andrew Rogers
Andrew Rogers is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 10 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. He earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. Throughout his career, he has contributed to outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, and Reuters. Known for his clear reporting and in-depth analysis, Andrew delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and international developments.
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