New Study Suggests Ultra-Processed Foods Deserve Cigarette-Like Regulations for Their Health Risks
Researchers from three US universities are calling for ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to be treated with the same level of scrutiny as cigarettes, citing striking similarities in their production processes and marketing strategies. These foods, which include soft drinks, packaged snacks, and other industrially manufactured products, have been linked to widespread health problems.
The comparison between UPFs and cigarettes was made by a team of experts from Harvard, the University of Michigan, and Duke University, who drew on data from fields such as addiction science, nutrition, and public health history. According to their research, both UPFs and cigarettes are engineered to encourage consumption and addictions, with manufacturers using tactics like marketing claims and flavor enhancers to keep customers hooked.
While some researchers argue that the distinction between food and tobacco is crucial, given the importance of food for human survival, others believe that the similarities between the two should prompt a similar regulatory approach. "Many UPFs share more characteristics with cigarettes than with minimally processed fruits or vegetables," said Ashley Gearhardt, an author of the study.
The researchers' findings come as many countries struggle to regulate the growing problem of UPFs. The authors argue that marketing claims like "low fat" or "sugar free" amount to "health washing," which can delay regulation and put consumers at risk.
By drawing parallels with tobacco control measures, the experts suggest that lessons from regulating cigarettes could be applied to reducing harm from UPFs. However, not all researchers are convinced by this approach, with some arguing that UPFs exploit learned preferences rather than being intrinsically addictive in a pharmacological sense.
As health systems on the continent face an "alarmingly growing" burden of non-communicable diseases linked to UPFs consumption, advocacy groups are sounding the alarm. Dr Githinji Gitahi, chief executive of Amref Health Africa, warned that if left unchecked, UPF production could lead to a collapse in health systems.
The study's findings have sparked renewed debate about the role of industry accountability and regulation in reducing harm from food products. While some argue that stricter controls are needed to protect public health, others caution against overreach and advocate for dietary quality, reformulation standards, and food system diversification instead.
Researchers from three US universities are calling for ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to be treated with the same level of scrutiny as cigarettes, citing striking similarities in their production processes and marketing strategies. These foods, which include soft drinks, packaged snacks, and other industrially manufactured products, have been linked to widespread health problems.
The comparison between UPFs and cigarettes was made by a team of experts from Harvard, the University of Michigan, and Duke University, who drew on data from fields such as addiction science, nutrition, and public health history. According to their research, both UPFs and cigarettes are engineered to encourage consumption and addictions, with manufacturers using tactics like marketing claims and flavor enhancers to keep customers hooked.
While some researchers argue that the distinction between food and tobacco is crucial, given the importance of food for human survival, others believe that the similarities between the two should prompt a similar regulatory approach. "Many UPFs share more characteristics with cigarettes than with minimally processed fruits or vegetables," said Ashley Gearhardt, an author of the study.
The researchers' findings come as many countries struggle to regulate the growing problem of UPFs. The authors argue that marketing claims like "low fat" or "sugar free" amount to "health washing," which can delay regulation and put consumers at risk.
By drawing parallels with tobacco control measures, the experts suggest that lessons from regulating cigarettes could be applied to reducing harm from UPFs. However, not all researchers are convinced by this approach, with some arguing that UPFs exploit learned preferences rather than being intrinsically addictive in a pharmacological sense.
As health systems on the continent face an "alarmingly growing" burden of non-communicable diseases linked to UPFs consumption, advocacy groups are sounding the alarm. Dr Githinji Gitahi, chief executive of Amref Health Africa, warned that if left unchecked, UPF production could lead to a collapse in health systems.
The study's findings have sparked renewed debate about the role of industry accountability and regulation in reducing harm from food products. While some argue that stricter controls are needed to protect public health, others caution against overreach and advocate for dietary quality, reformulation standards, and food system diversification instead.
. Like, come on, we've known this stuff for years – all that added sugar, artificial flavoring... it's basically toxic stuff. And now researchers are drawing parallels with cigarettes? It's about time someone started taking these companies to task 
. I mean, who needs a cigarette warning label when you can just put a bright red flag on "sugar content" and "partially hydrogenated oils"? It's all about accountability, imo 
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its so messed up. we need to stand up for our health and demand better from these corporations 
. It's crazy how similar the production and marketing strategies of ultra-processed foods are to cigarettes - like, who benefits from that?! 
. I mean, if a food can't pass muster on its own merits, should it be selling itself as healthy just because of some fancy label? Nope. We need stricter regulations to keep our food systems safe and transparent 
. It's time to rethink the way we think about food and industry accountability - our health depends on it 
I feel like we're living in a world where the line between what's healthy and what's not is getting so blurry. It's crazy that these ultra-processed foods are being compared to cigarettes 
...I mean, who would've thought?! But seriously, it's like our bodies aren't even doing their job anymore because of all the added sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavorings in these products 
. It's time for us to take a step back and reevaluate what we're putting into our bodies. We need more research and regulation to keep us safe 
. And honestly, it's scary when you think about how much of our food system is controlled by big corporations...it's like they're playing with fire 
. Can't wait to see where this conversation takes us 
but seriously, have you seen those kids chomping on Froot Loops or Doritos? it's not healthy at all 
i think these researchers are onto something by drawing parallels with tobacco control measures 
maybe we need to take a cue from those cigarette bans and get some stricter regulations in place 
This whole thing has me thinking - if we're already regulating cigarettes to protect our health, why not do the same with ultra-processed foods? I mean, let's be real, they're basically engineered to get us hooked on them. The fact that food manufacturers use similar tactics like marketing claims and flavor enhancers is wild 
. Maybe it's time for stricter controls or even cigarette-like regulations for these foods.